Getting California Back on Track 8/31/09

California Forward – the statewide nonprofit government reform organization - recently unveiled a comprehensive plan to overhaul our budget and fiscal systems, bring government closer to the people and make elected officials more accessible and accountable. To sign up for a webinar on TU 9/1, 2:30 3:30 PM PDT that will provide an in-depth overview of CF’s plan, paste into browser: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/905085906

Nonprofits May Take Over LA Schools 8/26/09

The Los Angeles City Board of Education adopted a resolution that could turn a third of schools in the nation's second-largest school district over to nonprofit charter school organizations and the mayor's group that already oversees 11 schools. Involved are 50 new schools that will open over the next four years, as well as 200 existing schools that are chronic underperformers. Superintendent Ramon Cortines has 60 days to develop a plan. Details, including video of the Superintendent’s response: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=6984184.

How safe is the safety net? 8/24/09

Significant funding cuts and policy changes targeting safety-net programs in the state’s newly-revised budget are the topics of a just-released report by the California Budget Project. Details: http://www.cbp.org/pdfs/2009/090821_Post_Webinar_Slides.pdf.

Budget Reform Proposals Take Shape 8/20/09

With less than a month left in the legislative session, proponents of change urged a state Senate panel this week to quickly adopt ideas for budget reform that have bipartisan support while continuing to push for solutions to tougher problems -- or risk having voters do it for them. CAN is working with California Forward - one of the major reform proponents - to make sure nonprofits are heard in the debate.

Details: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-calif-reform19-2009aug19,0,2837667.story

What's in the state budget? 8/5/09

If you - like many others - are confused by the flurry of state budgetproposals over the last few weeks, check this out: A new analysis onthe website of the California Budget Project(http://www.cbp.org/) compares major features of GovernorSchwarzenegger's May budget proposals, the actions approved by theLegislature's Budget Conference Committee, and the budget agreementsigned into law on July 28.

Local government cuts 8/4/09

The state's new budget calls for borrowing $2 billion from cities and counties, and takes another $1.7 billion from local redevelopment agencies. A new database — compiled by The Sacramento Bee -- lets you see how much the state will borrow or take from each local government this fiscal year: http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/2048655.html.