Rosy Calif. Budget Projections Prompt Calls for New SpendingDecember 2, 2013 | Ben AdlerMany California Democrats and progressive groups want to reinvest in programs devastated by years of budget cuts now that the state’s revenue outlook has improved. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
After Years of Deficits, Budget Surpluses Projected for CaliforniaNovember 20, 2013 | Ben AdlerCalifornia’s non-partisan budget analyst says the state’s structural deficit is gone. The new projection: a surplus of more than $2 billion by the end of the current fiscal year next June. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Capitol Roundup: Calderon Responds...Sort Of; October Cash ReportNovember 8, 2013 | Ben AdlerState Sen. Ron Calderon issues a statement prompted by the bribery allegations against him in a leaked FBI affidavit - but doesn't address the allegations themselves. Also, October turned out to be a strong month for state budget revenues.
Gov't Shutdown Could Harm California's Recovering EconomySeptember 30, 2013 | Ben AdlerCalifornia programs and services wouldn’t take a big hit from a federal government shutdown, at least not at first. But state budget watchers still say California has a lot to lose from the standoff in Washington.
Brown, Legislative Leaders Reach Prisons DealSeptember 9, 2013 | Ben AdlerAfter nearly two weeks of sniping back and forth, Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown and Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg have reached a deal on their competing prison plans in response to the federal court order that requires California to reduce overcrowding. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Capitol Roundup: Brown Signs Transgender School BillAugust 12, 2013 | Ben AdlerCalifornia Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill that increases the rights of transgender students at public schools. Also, a Republican lawmaker wants Brown to call a special legislative session on prisons. And California revenues had a slow July. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Fitch Boosts California's Credit RatingAugust 5, 2013 | Ben AdlerA second agency has upgraded the state of California’s credit rating. Fitch Ratings now gives California an “A” – up from an “A-minus.”
New School Funding Formula Mandates Parental InvolvementJuly 29, 2013California’s new education funding formula sends more dollars to disadvantaged students – with new strings attached. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Big Property Tax Surprise Coming for Many Calif. HomeownersJuly 15, 2013 | Ben AdlerCalifornia homeowners who saw their property taxes plunge along with their homes’ market values during the recession could get some sticker shock when their next tax bill arrives. The bad news for homeowners is good news for state and local budgets. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Brown Signs Enterprise Zone, SEIU Contract, "Bridge Plan" BillsJuly 11, 2013 | Ben AdlerCalifornia Governor Jerry Brown has signed legislation to overhaul a controversial tax break for companies that hire workers in low-income communities. He also signed a key labor pact and a measure to provide health care to the working poor. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
