Commentary

At the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, we are far from naïve. We understand the political and economic challenges that face the completion of high-speed rail, and we are up for the fight and plan to fight along with every elected leader who is willing to fight for California’s quality of life, climate goals and middle-class jobs.

Californians who buy things on the Internet have often been able to escape sales taxes. But that will end April 1.

Computer science is an essential 21st Century skill for college, careers and civic participation. Yet many California students lack access to meaningful opportunities to learn computer science. If we are committed to closing the academic achievement gap, we must close the growing computer science access gap for all students.

The Trump administration is refusing to pay more than $300 million for repairs to Oroville Dam. California officials should be grateful it's not zero.

Despite massive opposition, the Trump administration released coercive and unethical regulations governing Title X. The administration’s anti-abortion agenda has seeped into Title X, a program that doesn’t pay for or provide abortion services. Under these rules, doctors would not be able to tell patients where they can get an abortion, even if they ask. The best doctors could do is give a patient a list of healthcare providers, some of whom provide abortions.

Enriched by the diversity of our communities, California represents a set of human values that nurture and free our minds and our economic system. And the world knows it. That’s why now, more than ever, the world is knocking on our door.

Those who debate abortion are often willing to use law and politics to shut down the other side.

Ronald Reagan and Jerry Brown, two of the most consequential governors ever in California, led the state during two of the most well intended but poorly executed movements in this state’s history. The first was the de-institutionalization of the mentally ill. The second resulted in fewer prison inmates, and significant increases in homelessness and untreated mental illness.

A new legislative bill and a new threat by the attorney general are the latest attempts to undermine the state's Public Records Act.

Ron Nichols, Southern California Edison president, Rosemead In his March 5 guest commentary, Brett Bouchy delivers several mischaracterizations about Southern California Edison’s time-of-use rates.  In truth, SCE’s time-of-use rates incentivize customers to use power when it is cleanest and available at the best prices, and conserve energy when it is less clean and more expensive. […]