September Personal Income Tax Receipts Beat Predictions

Income tax collections for September appear to have exceeded the nearly $4 billion expected by state budget writers.

Although a relatively small factor in determining whether up to $2.5 billion in triggered spending cuts – almost $1.9 billion to public schools — will need to be imposed in January, meeting revenue estimates certainly doesn’t worsen the state’s fiscal situation.    Read more »

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The First Televised Presidential Address Aired October 5, 1947

From:

 The Writer’s Almanac, With Garrison Keillor 

President Harry Truman broadcast the speech from the White House. His subject was food conservation.

Europe was still reeling from World War II food shortages and faced a winter famine brought on by regional droughts, floods and unseasonable cold.

Backing measures proposed by the Citizens’ Food Committee, Truman called on America’s farmers and distillers to reduce grain consumption and asked the American public to do their part by observing “meatless Tuesdays,” going without poultry and eggs on Thursdays and eating less bread.    Read more »

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As Many as 20 State Parks Could Be Spared from Closure

As many as 20 state parks could get a reprieve from closure under a bill signed October 4 by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The bill authorizes the state Department of Parks and Recreation to sign contracts with nonprofit groups to operate state parks if that agreement will keep the park open.

“Particularly in these tough economic times, creative public/private partnerships are an essential tool in providing ongoing protection of, and continued access to, these treasured public assets,” said Assemblyman Jared Huffman, a San Rafael Democrat who authored the measure, AB 42.    Read more »

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Gov. Brown Commutes Potential Death Sentence for Boating and Waterways Commission

California’s Credit Union Advisory Committee and the state Boating and Waterways Commission gained at least a temporary reprieve Oct. 3 when Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed legislation that could have eliminated the two.

The Democratic governor objected to one legislative body – the 10-member Joint Sunset Review Committee – making decisions on the size of the executive branch.    Read more »

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Corgis Lobby Their Soul Brother, Sutter, To Urge His Folically Challenged Master to Sign AB 376, a Bill Banning Shark Fin Soup.    Read more »

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