California Forward
Patty Chavez is proud of her community—so much so, she makes sure she knows everything about what’s going on in Chula Vista.
read moreWould you ignore a smoking car until it needed to be towed to a shop? Or wait until leaking pipes flooded your house before contacting a contractor? If you did, you’d expect to pay a heavy premium to repair what’s likely become major damage—usually much more than the cost of simple maintenance. But for most Americans, this is exactly what we do when it comes to our health. Up to now, this approach has been mindboggling for policy makers and healthcare providers.
read moreThe words “government of the people, by the people, for the people” were first uttered in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln consecrated the battlefield at Gettysburg. They’ve resonated to varying degrees throughout U.S. history, at times loudly and at other times with barely a whimper.
read moreFernando Jara knows what second chances are all about. He’s a high school dropout and at age 17 was already on parole. But, members of the community gave him a structure and path, allowing him to contribute positively.
read moreIn today’s Sacramento Bee, former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry takes a closer look at some of the substantive and reformative bills that did not make it off the governor’s desk, including SB 14, which would have helped stabilize the fiscal process, hold lawmakers accountable to the people they serve, and restore some trust in government.
read morePerhaps not surprisingly, the state of California announced this week it is $705 million short of first quarter revenue estimates, meaning so-called “trigger cuts” to the budget will go into effect. The only glimmer of hope – though dim – is word that school districts and Cal State and UC campuses have already been making plans to cover the automatic cuts triggered by this shortfall.
read moreThe California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley chose a single-word theme for last week’s summit: “Elevate.” In one sense, the word reflects progress in improving the region’s quality of life. In another, it meant more hard work lies ahead to lift the Valley’s fortunes.
read moreCalifornia faces enormous challenges – making essential public programs work with fewer dollars, helping young people prepare for an uncertain future, and reviving our sick economy. That’s why we are so disappointed that Governor Brown vetoed SB 14 (Wolk), a critical cornerstone to the kind of governance changes that could restore opportunities for Californians — and maybe even confidence and trust in their elected officials.
read moreNo birthday candles or cake, but there were a few fireworks at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of California’s Initiative & Referendum hosted by the Citizens in Charge Foundation and co-sponsored by California Forward and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
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