The latest studies, editorials, and investigative reports on issues affecting California’s democracy, economy, and opportunities.

January 10, 2020
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** UNHAPPY NEW YEAR THANKS TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE
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Good morning!

The California State Legislature returned to work this week, starting the new year off the same way it ended last year: by pushing radical policy proposals.

On Monday, nine members of the California Assembly held a press conference to announce the California Green New Deal. This ominous omnibus bill claims to reduce homelessness, cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase living standards in poor communities by the end of the decade. When asked how they plan to pay for the proposal, Assemblymember Bonta (D-Alameda) remarked ([link removed]) , “When Congress goes to war, we don’t ask how much.”

Speaking of conflicts, California’s attack on the gig economy continues to rack up casualties. A few weeks ago, SB Nation announced ([link removed]) that it will simply no longer work with independent contractors living in California or writing about California-based teams. Freelance journalists sued the state over not receiving an exemption from AB 5, but a federal judge ruled against ([link removed]) their request for a temporary restraining order on Monday while the case is reviewed.

Uber is pursuing several strategies to respond to AB 5. It’s filing a lawsuit and supporting a ballot initiative. It’s also making changes to the app itself. On Wednesday, the ridesharing company announced ([link removed]) that Californians would no longer enjoy rewards and price protections for routes. Riders will not be able to see the final price of their trip until the end. In addition, drivers will have the ability to reject trip requests without penalty.

Today, Governor Newsom is unveiling his new state budget that will create more problems than it fixes. One such problem is the healthcare sector where California is looking to become the first state in the nation to sell ([link removed]) its own prescription brand drugs. The program is an attempt to lower the price of medications, but it ignores the unintended consequences of crowding-out other suppliers that cannot compete with the state. This dynamic occurred in with SCHIP and Medicaid expansion, both of which increased healthcare costs.

In less than eight weeks, Californians will head to the polls, voting on local candidates and bond measures. In West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), a school district with declining enrollment, the school board added a half a billion-dollar bond to the March ballot for construction. CPC fellow Edward Ring explains why this is a terrible idea that should be voted down here ([link removed]) .

Fifteen years ago, following decades of poor student performance and gang crime, parents and the principal at San Diego’s Gompers Middle Schoolused a little-known state law to convert their campus into a public charter school. Today, Gompers Preparatory Academy (GPA) is one of the best schools in the area, but this success is threatened by the return of the San Diego Educators Association (SDEA). In response, the San Diego Parent Union mobilized ([link removed]) to stand up for their children.

The fight started when a group of union activists persuaded a minority of the Gompers teachers to endorse the SDEA. The pro-union school district quickly recognized the union's right to represent all faculty at Gompers. Yet a group of teachers is fighting back with the help of the National Right to Work by submitting a union decertification petition on Wednesday. You can read about their latest effort here ([link removed]) .

Finally, CPC contributor Larry Sand explores the origins of the #RedforEd movement and writes about where teachers unions are headed in 2020. Read here ([link removed]) .

Upcoming Events:
Parent Union’s 5th Annual School Choice Fair
Come have fun and support the Parent Union as they celebrate National School Choice Week on Saturday, January 25 at the Santa Ana Zoo! The event will take place from 12:00-3:00 pm and will include food and several fun activities. To RSVP, click here ([link removed]) .

Free Screening of Miss Virginia
Please join Reason Foundation in West Hollywood on January 29th for a special screening of Miss Virginia. Hailed as a "must-see" movie by USA Today, the film follows a struggling inner-city mother who sacrifices everything to give her son a good education. Unwilling to allow him to stay in a dangerous school, she launches a movement that could save his future—and that of thousands like him. Doors open at 7:00pm and the screening begins at 7:30pm. Following the film, Reason Foundation's Director of School Choice Corey DeAngelis and Gregory McGinity of the California Charter Schools Association will host a discussion on “Beyond Test Scores: How Miss Virginia Shows Us the Real Need for School Choice.” Click here to register ([link removed]) .

The Role of Religion in Politics and the Role of Politics in Religion
The Pepperdine School of Public Policy hosts Rabbi Stu Halpern on Thursday, February 6 to discuss his new book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land: The Hebrew Bible in the United States. He will be joined by Pepperdine’s Wilfred McClay and Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik for a dynamic conversation on the role the Bible has, can and should play in the American public conversation. To register for this event ([link removed]) , click here ([link removed]) .

Franklin and Washington: The Founding Partnership
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson will speak at the Commonwealth Club on Monday, February 10 and discuss his joint biography of our two most influential Founding Fathers. Tickets are $20 for non-members and will include a book-signing as well. For more information, and to register, click here ([link removed]) .

If you have any upcoming events in the state, please send them to me!

As always, if you’d like to join our movement to save California, we invite you to support us. Click here to donate to CPC ([link removed]) .


** ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA POLICY CENTER
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