Business & Economics
Business & Economics
An ironic twist in fiscal policy
In an ironic twist in world politics, European leaders are calling for fiscal austerity while U.S. officials are preaching about more borrowing and spending. In the wake of the Greek debt crisis, major European governments are recognizing the value of reining in the massive deficit spending that has not “stimulated” ...
Business & Economics
Tax competitiveness is key to California recovery
California’s budget deficit is currently estimated at $19 billion, but the Golden State also suffers from myriad tax-based problems. To recover economic prosperity, the state needs immediate tax reform and long-term tax relief. The Golden State relies heavily on personal income taxes, which impose much larger economic costs than consumption ...
Business & Economics
Lobbyists Roam Free in the Free State
Recent scandals, runaway spending and ongoing fiscal crises have all boosted interest in lobbying.
Business & Economics
More ‘fixes’ won’t fix California
It’s easy to conclude that California may become, as former state librarian Kevin Starr put it, a “failed state.” It’s just too big, unruly and diverse to be effectively governed, commentators frequently say. SACRAMENTO – It’s easy to conclude that California may become, as former state librarian Kevin Starr put ...
Business & Economics
Where Are the Angry California Voters?
The G.O.P. in California has had to rely on candidates who can finance themselves. NO MONEY, NO MOVEMENT California is home to a large and energetic Tea Party movement but the state’s activists have not had much effect on the current election cycle. Timing, the size of California and the ...
Business & Economics
More on the right up for a fight
SACRAMENTO – For years, Republican establishmentarians have taken their grass-roots supporters for granted, knowing that, come Election Day, activists will vote for the lesser of two evils – i.e., that even a bad Republican is better than a Democrat. In the primaries, Republican leaders often back unprincipled candidates who are ...
Business & Economics
Some fight the good fight for freedom
I, as a nattering nabob, see negativism everywhere. The Legislature manages to do just about everything wrong. The Obama administration – like the Bush administration – is an embarrassment bordering on a disaster. Debt is rising, freedom is receding, and our governments keep getting bigger and more wasteful. I, as ...
Business & Economics
Progressives for Pension Reform?
With California facing a structural $19 billion budget hole, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has argued that the state will need to tap its general fund for billions to prop up faltering public-employee pension funds. With California facing a structural $19 billion budget hole, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has argued that the state ...
Business & Economics
Doctors, patients need legal reform
Doctors in America are spending more time in courtrooms – and less time with patients – as personal injury lawyers wage a war on providers that’s harming the quality of health care. Some states are taking steps to curb this abuse, and other states have good reason to follow their ...
An ironic twist in fiscal policy
In an ironic twist in world politics, European leaders are calling for fiscal austerity while U.S. officials are preaching about more borrowing and spending. In the wake of the Greek debt crisis, major European governments are recognizing the value of reining in the massive deficit spending that has not “stimulated” ...
Tax competitiveness is key to California recovery
California’s budget deficit is currently estimated at $19 billion, but the Golden State also suffers from myriad tax-based problems. To recover economic prosperity, the state needs immediate tax reform and long-term tax relief. The Golden State relies heavily on personal income taxes, which impose much larger economic costs than consumption ...
Lobbyists Roam Free in the Free State
Recent scandals, runaway spending and ongoing fiscal crises have all boosted interest in lobbying.
More ‘fixes’ won’t fix California
It’s easy to conclude that California may become, as former state librarian Kevin Starr put it, a “failed state.” It’s just too big, unruly and diverse to be effectively governed, commentators frequently say. SACRAMENTO – It’s easy to conclude that California may become, as former state librarian Kevin Starr put ...
Where Are the Angry California Voters?
The G.O.P. in California has had to rely on candidates who can finance themselves. NO MONEY, NO MOVEMENT California is home to a large and energetic Tea Party movement but the state’s activists have not had much effect on the current election cycle. Timing, the size of California and the ...
More on the right up for a fight
SACRAMENTO – For years, Republican establishmentarians have taken their grass-roots supporters for granted, knowing that, come Election Day, activists will vote for the lesser of two evils – i.e., that even a bad Republican is better than a Democrat. In the primaries, Republican leaders often back unprincipled candidates who are ...
Some fight the good fight for freedom
I, as a nattering nabob, see negativism everywhere. The Legislature manages to do just about everything wrong. The Obama administration – like the Bush administration – is an embarrassment bordering on a disaster. Debt is rising, freedom is receding, and our governments keep getting bigger and more wasteful. I, as ...
Progressives for Pension Reform?
With California facing a structural $19 billion budget hole, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has argued that the state will need to tap its general fund for billions to prop up faltering public-employee pension funds. With California facing a structural $19 billion budget hole, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has argued that the state ...
Doctors, patients need legal reform
Doctors in America are spending more time in courtrooms – and less time with patients – as personal injury lawyers wage a war on providers that’s harming the quality of health care. Some states are taking steps to curb this abuse, and other states have good reason to follow their ...
