Yet Another Daunting Problem for California’s Next Governor

Besides a projected budget shortfall of $21.3 billion in their first year in office, California’s next governor also faces an unemployment insurance fund that will end 2011 at least $13.4 billion in the red, according to the state Employment Development Department.

The insolvency of the fund, which is financed through employer contributions, will have an impact on the state’s cash-starved general fund next September when the state owes the federal government $362 million in interest on loans from Uncle Sam that have allowed the fund to keep issuing checks to out-of-work Californians.    Read more »

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California’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 12.4 Percent

SACRAMENTO – California’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 12.4 percent in September, and nonfarm payroll jobs decreased by 63,600 during the month, according to data released October 21 by the California Employment Development Department from two separate survey.

The U.S. unemployment rate also was unchanged in September at 9.6 percent. In August, the state’s nonfarm payroll jobs were revised upwards 44,200 for a total gain of 10,700 jobs, with the unemployment rate at 12.4 percent.    Read more »

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A Yardstick to Help Measure the State of the State’s Economy

California New Car Sales on a Slow But Steady Recovery

SACRAMENTO – The California New Car Dealers Association  announced that registrations of new cars and trucks in California continued to increase through the third quarter.

“Serious car buyers are returning to the market and fueling the California auto industry’s slow but steady recovery,” said Peter Welch, the association’s president.    Read more »

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They Should Write Checks to Taxpayers, Not Ask for Checks

Shame, it’s been claimed, is a uniquely human characteristic. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Adam and Eve don’t feel ashamed being thread-bare until the old ball-and-chain chomps on the apple of knowledge.

“The only shame is to have none,” says Blaise Pascal, the 17th Century French mathematician, physicist and philosopher.

Apparently, this uniquely human characteristic does not extend to some members of the California Legislature.    Read more »

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Given the Voter Registration, This Is Probably a Good Thing

(Editor’s Note: According to one of the Sacramento lobbyists for the Service Employees International Union, approximately 40 percent of its state employee members are registered Republican,  just as Roger Niello is.

Niello, one of three Republicans vying to fill the 1st Senate seat left vacant by the July death of Dave Cox, might also get a favorable nod from the other 60 percent of the union’s state employee members who are Democrat or decline-to-state — assuming the allegation in the mailer is true and assuming SEIU’s members vote with their pocketbooks.    Read more »

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A Brief Look at the Depth of the Pledges Made By Candidates

Here is a pitch from an Assembly candidate on why voters should elect him:

“I’ll focus on creating jobs and thoughtfully controlling spending and I’ll work to fix education — so all children have an opportunity to realize their dreams.”

Inside  the mailer, voters learn that the candidate will “support small businesses and create jobs, improve our children’s education, protect public health and safety, make the Legislature accountable to us.”    Read more »

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If Proposition 27 Fails, a Redistricting Commission Is Near

Proposition 27 on the November ballot would eliminate a 14-member citizens commission, approved by voters as Proposition 11 in November 2008, that’s charged with drawing the district lines for California’s 80 Assembly seats and 40 Senate seats.

Propositon 27 was placed on the ballot by the California congressional delegation which would have its lines drawn by the commission if voters approve Proposition 20, also on the November ballot.    Read more »

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In The Interest of Furthering Political Discourse…

Jon Fleischman of the Flash Report disagrees with the conclusions of a recent California’s Capitol post about Assemblymen Ted Gaines and Roger Niello who are two of the four candidates running in a special election for the 1st Sente seat, left vacant by the death of Dave Cox in July.

Here’s Jon’s view.    Read more »

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Thank You Don Pardo and Welcome to Slater Mailer Challenge

Yes, it’s that time again. Another exciting round of  Slate Mailer Challenge where lucky contestants count the asterisks and win!

Today’s first challenge comes from “Leadership for California” prepared, the small print informs, by “California Voter Guide, not an official political party organization.” Nonetheless, the back page says it is a “Voting Guide for Republicans.”    Read more »

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This Just In — Legislative Analyst Still Tepid About the Budget

The Legislative Analyst’s assessment of the budget signed October 8 on the 100th day of the fiscal year for which dictates spending, has not changed in its updated summary of the budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.

This new version however includes the $963 million vetoed by Gov.    Read more »

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