What Exactly Is An Appropriation?

What is an appropriation?

That is the fundamental issue in the lawsuit filed August 10 by Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg seeking to overturn Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s veto of nearly $500 million in spending in the package of bills designed to close a $26 billion hole in the budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.    Read more »

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Chuck and Diane DeVore — Redefining Herculean for the New Millenium

Message from Diane DeVore

Pedal to the Metal

I had quite a bit of feedback on the Father’s Day note which many of you received.

(Editor’s Note: The campaign solicitation was showcased here at California’s Capitol, Diane, as you may recall.)

Some suggested that I write a book about our campaign adventures.    Read more »

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Does John Garamendi Know?

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Sen. Dave Cogdill on Governor Schwarzenegger’s Williamson Act Veto

Senator Dave Cogdill, former Senate GOP Leader from Modesto, sent the following letter August 5 to county supervisors in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties regarding the Williamson Act:

Dear Local Government Partners:

 With my background as a city council member, I could not support the recent budget package in its entirety because it puts the state’s budget problems squarely on the backs of local governments and only postpones more tough decisions into the future.     Read more »

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August 25 — Early Leader in Fundraiser Derby, By a Head

While the Legislature doesn’t return until August 17 — and things can change dramatically before then — it appears that August 25 holds the early lead for day with the most scheduled fundraisers during the final four weeks lawmakers will be in Sacramento this year.

There are 16.

August 26 is a close second at 15, however.    Read more »

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Whither the Williamson Act?

One of the odder victims of the budget signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the Williamson Act which helps keeps farm and ranch lands from being sold and, potentially, developed.

Of the budget’s spending – some $84.6 billion in the general fund – the Williamson Act represents $27.8 million in state payments to reimburse mainly rural counties who offer property tax subsidies to farmers and ranchers.    Read more »

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A Political Ad from Tom Campbell: Individual Liberty

Dear Friend,

Less government. More freedom. Individual liberty.

These principles are the foundation of my campaign for Governor and define my philosophy on issues across the spectrum.

In a recent interview with Reason.tv, I discussed why the idea of liberty matters in my campaign for Governor. 

In the last several years, we have let government in our state grow unchecked, with serious consequences culminating in the recent budget crisis.    Read more »

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What Will They Think of Next

A new way to donate        

Let’s face it. I don’t like asking you for money and you probably don’t either. But California is a big state and we need to stop the tax and spend policies of Barbara Boxer and her liberal colleagues in Washington.  Unlike DC insiders, I have always supported transparency, which is why I’m introducing a new way to donate to our cause!    Read more »

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Out of Office Automated Message

(Editor’s Note: The chief correspondent of California’s Capitol is writing a history of what’s now known as the Fish and Game Pack Trip. It began 50 years ago with Gov. Pat Brown — who went every year of his eight years as governor except one when he sprained his ankle. It now takes a dozen or so people usually up into the Eastern Sierras where there is neither cell coverage nor Wifi.    Read more »

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Who Says Republicans Don’t Care About the Environment

Explore Yosemite 2009 is less than a month away!  The event is more popular than ever and is selling out quickly. We have limited space, so if you have not already RSVP’d, please let us know if you are planning on attending.  Many thanks. We hope to see you there. 

Molly Parnell

CRP Finance Director 

916-448-9496 

Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth,

Assembly Republican Leader Sam Blakeslee,

The Senate & Assembly Republican Caucuses

& The California Republican Party?     Read more »

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