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Back to homepageState's health-mandate miasma
Feb. 2, 2010 By JOHN SEILER The victory of Scott Brown in Massachusetts prevents Democrats from enacting a universal health-care reform bill. Something likely will be enacted. But the lack of universality means the states will continue to play a
Read MoreDid car tax drive deficit?
Feb. 1, 2010 By JOHN SEILER As negotiations get under way on the California State Budget – especially its $20 billion deficit – numerous remedies are being advanced, including tax increases. One old idea is to bring the car tax,
Read MoreIs California a "failed state"?
Newsweek just ran a debate, California: America’s First Failed State,” among six people. The most humorous part involved Bobby Shriver, described as “a Santa Monica city councilman, activist and brother-in-law of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Also, rich, pampered scion of
Read MoreWhy Sen. Lou Correa voted against SB 810
Jan. 29, 2010 by KATY GRIMES Yesterday the state Senate passed SB 810, the single payer health care bill sponsored by Senator Mark Leno (D, San Francisco) by a 22-14 vote. Today I spoke with Senator Lou Correa (D, Santa
Read MoreNature violates Clean Water Act
Jan. 27, 2010 By WAYNE LUSVARDI The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued a stop order to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority in Southern California delaying construction of a water treatment facility to clean up contamination
Read MoreArnold on taxes in 2003 vs. 2010
Here’s Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger, when he was running for governor in 2003, solemnly pledging not to raise taxes: I am firmly opposed to raising taxes. Californians are already overtaxed. California has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation,
Read MoreThe clash over health care
Jan. 28, 2010 By KATY GRIMES On a vote of 22 to 14, the California State Senate today approved Senate Bill 810, which creates a government-run health care system, also known as single-payer health care. Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to
Read MoreWhere Are The Stinkin' Badges?
Today I made my fifth in-person request to the Capitol Correspondents Association for Cal Watchdog’s press credentials. Once again I was told by staffer Brian O’Hara that they still don’t have my stinkin’ badges. And today the excuse was “they
Read MoreObama's State of the Union and California
I listened last night to President Obama’s State of the Union address to find out whether he will adapt policies that will revive the economy. This is critical for California because the assumptions in the state budget proposed by Gov.
Read MoreIt's not easy being green
Jan. 28, 2010 California continues to push green jobs on employers and require companies to succumb to green certification, despite increasing evidence that the green movement costs jobs and increases the bottom line for businesses. A 2009 study released by
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