Commentary

Commentary

We must let more California students into public universities’ front door

Unethical and even criminal tactics used to slide students into prestigious universities cannot be tolerated. But there’s something else we should not tolerate: the insufficient higher education capacity to meet student demand in California.

By Guest Commentary • April 11, 2019

Commentary

Community colleges wracked by data dispute

California community colleges are under pressure to improve outcomes for their students but college officials complain that the data being used to measure progress are faulty.

By Dan Walters • April 11, 2019

Commentary

From books to 3D printers, the many reasons to thank librarians

In this National Library Week, thank a librarian. Libraries are safe, accessible, non-stigmatized places that welcome everyone, even our most disenfranchised. Libraries aren’t the cure for California’s most vexing challenges, but investing more in them makes those challenges less vexing.

By Guest Commentary • April 10, 2019

Commentary

‘Job killer’ bills may be more difficult to kill

The California Chamber of Commerce has been remarkably successful for two decades in defeating or neutralizing bills it places on its annual list of "job killers," but the Capitol's ambiance is changing and continuing that record may be more difficult.

By Dan Walters • April 10, 2019

Commentary

Yes, we need clean water. But it must remain tax-free

Taxing water, food and other essential needs would limit their affordability and betray our collective resolve that no one should be denied the essentials for health, sanitation and freedom from hunger and thirst.

By Guest Commentary • April 9, 2019

Commentary

How federal ‘opportunity zone’ tax incentive can help California build an inclusive economy

The federal opportunity zone program created by the 2017 tax overhaul, enables investors to defer capital gains taxes on funds invested in designated communities. Opportunity zones offer one path forward that relies on private capital to bear the cost.

By Guest Commentary • April 9, 2019

California Wildfires

PG&E’s management change is a missed opportunity. It must embrace radical reform

Without a radical change to the corporate culture, a hard to swallow dose of transparency and all-hands-on-deck fire prevention effort, the next PG&E-sparked wildfire will mean a Titanic ending to the company.

By Guest Commentary • April 8, 2019

Commentary

Big issue: Who’s an employee and who’s not?

A state Supreme Court decision tightening the definition of an employee has become a big legislative issue, putting Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez in the spotlight.

By Dan Walters • April 8, 2019

Commentary

Expanding California’s earned income tax credit is a smart investment in working families

As the cost of health care, housing, food, and transportation continue to rise, we must make work pay better. Expanding the California earned income tax credit will do that for those who need it most.

By Guest Commentary • April 7, 2019

Commentary

Managerial miscues plague the state

Managerial miscues plague state government, as three new audit reports confirm. They imply that fixing existing problems should take precedence over launching new services and programs.

By Dan Walters • April 7, 2019