Two connected puzzle pieces with the words politics and money, representing the influence of wealth in elections.Special interests, otherwise known as “lobbyist employers,” paid lobbying firms a little more than $76 million to lobby California state government in the first quarter of 2024, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
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CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Nationwide, over half of all high school students are required to take a course on personal finance to graduate. In California, it’s just 1%. A ballot initiative proposed for the November ballot would change that: Backers submitted 900,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot in March, and the measure appears poised to be certified by the Secretary of State. Tim Ranzetta, teacher, entrepreneur and one of the leading proponents of The California Personal Finance Education Initiative tells us why he believes the measure is necessary.
Sacramento Capitol building. Photo by Pete Bobb.Lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Child school boy with smartphone, digital cybersecurity hologram with glowing lock circuit. Cybersecurity hud and connection. Concept of data protectionOPINION – California is the premier state to watch for regulating kids’ online safety. From its robust data privacy law to the contentious Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC), the state presents a wealth of opportunities to get kids’ online safety right. However, crucial First Amendment concerns have blocked the implementation of the AADC, and critical questions remain on the best path forward to keep kids safe online.
Brian Green, photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyA professional communicator with decades of experience, this month’s Capitol Spotlight subject Brian Green helps the California State Senate Democratic shape the stories it wants to tell.
Coins and banknote in a glass jar placed on the textbook. Concept money saving for education.OPINION – Prior to the pandemic there was a clearer delineation between traditional schools and more flexible “nonclassroom-based public charter schools.” The old-line educational world looked down on teaching that did not involve 100% in-person instruction. But the pandemic changed the point of view of many teachers, parents, and students and realigned the education world around recognizing the value and benefits of more innovative, flexible, and personalized learning models that have demonstrated a track record of success with diverse populations of students for decades.
RFK, Jr. Photo by APOPINION – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has found his way on to the California Presidential ballot, but typical of his image, it was the most desperate, head-scratching, and absurd launch imaginable.
California justice, image by MehaniqOn occasion, bills in the California Legislature contain severability clauses. These types of bills contain multiple provisions and, when those types of bills are challenged in litigation, a court may be required to determine whether the valid provisions are “severable” from the law’s invalid provisions.
Cancer cells. Cancer outbreak and treatment for malignant cancer. Image by Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeencells in a human body. 3d illustrationA once-heralded research venture by the state of California that targeted “don’t eat me” signals that protect cancer cells has now ended. The potential treatment’s obituary boiled down to one phrase repeated six times and buried deep in a corporate document.