Accountability

Covered California failing to comply with National Voter Registration Act
 150 150 Alexandra Bjerg
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Under the federal law, more commonly known as the “Motor Voter” act, government agencies providing public assistance are required to offer individuals opportunities to register to vote. That means all Californians applying for health coverage through the state exchange should simultaneously be offered the opportunity to register to vote.

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Fixing DC: California’s innovations can help
 150 150 Lenny Mendonca and Thomas V. McKernan
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With strong citizen engagement, civic leadership and belief in the possibility of change, these reforms can shift partisan politics throughout the nation as well. Good governance matters, citizens deserve and should demand it.

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A conversation with Connie Rice on mass incarceration
 150 150 Matthew Grant Anson
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Rice recently sat down with California Forward to discuss the award as well as her perspective on violence prevention and mass incarceration.

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Sen. Emmerson’s abrupt resignation brings familiar California issues to light
 150 150 Christopher Nelson
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Republican State Senator Bill Emmerson of the 23rd district, who just a few hours prior was a panelist at the second annual California Economic Summit, submitted a brief letter of resignation to Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg last Friday afternoon.

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Riverside County takes a big step towards transparency with amended campaign finance rules
 150 150 Cheryl Getuiza
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In Riverside County, candidates can no longer hide behind closed doors. Thanks to a big push by Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, those running for office will now have to publicly disclose all contributions more than $1,000 via the Internet.

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Criticism of new school funding law misses the mark
 150 150 Matthew Grant Anson
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Like all things that sound hunky dory, the law has drawn increasing caution, concern, and criticism, highlighted last week by a piece by EdSource’s Louis Freedberg on the potential weaknesses in the new school funding law. But some parts of his argument lack clarity in a manner that merits a response.

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Virtual town halls? San Mateo County makes it a reality
 150 150 Cheryl Getuiza
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Speak Out, which launched earlier this year, is a virtual town hall where the County can educate citizens about certain projects, decisions and other county business.

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New law opens door into the financial dealings of public officials
 150 150 Alexandra Bjerg
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A new law will help make it easier for Californians to keep tabs on their public officials. Gov. Jerry Brown this week signed legislation sponsored by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) designed to provide greater public access to financial disclosure statements by public officials.

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Maplight harnesses open data in bid to hold government accountable
 150 150 Cheryl Getuiza
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Publishing the data is only one part of the process, that’s why many non-profits and for-profit companies are stepping in to make sure folks are not flooded and bogged down with the data.

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