The LA Times‘ Lazarus consistently makes me think about issues in a different way. Let’s dive into a healthcare insurance pool The employer-based system isn’t working but would be preserved under the Senate reform proposal. It’s time to try something new. By David Lazarus September 20, 2009 The compromise healthcare reform proposal unveiled in the [...]
Entries Tagged as 'Opinion'
David Lazarus on healthcare
September 20th, 2009 · No Comments · Healthcare, Opinion
Tags:Healthcare·LA Times·Lazarus
Another call for a Constitutional Convention to address California's problems
September 20th, 2009 · No Comments · California government, Opinion
This time it’s the LA Times: Taming the California beast So many problems, so many competing interests — only rewriting the Constitution will do. It’s not always easy to identify the tentacles that are strangling California and keeping it from fulfilling its promise for 38 million residents. Who wrecked our public school system, which was [...]
Tags:business·California·California government·constitutional convention·economy·government reform·Governor Schwarzenegger·LA Times
Spending can help, in all sorts of ways
September 18th, 2009 · No Comments · economy, News and Information, Opinion
From the LA Times: Business trips could boost companies’ profits, groups say Also: Forecast worsens for airline losses, and flu shots might come to LAX. As the nation struggles to climb out of the worst recession in decades, two reports released this week suggest that increased spending on business travel can help companies profit and [...]
Recession over?
September 18th, 2009 · No Comments · economy, News and Information, Opinion
Economists at UCLA see indications of recovery. From the LA Times: Southern California’s vital signs are improving Data suggest that an economic recovery has begun in the region. But the state’s picture isn’t all bright. By Alana Semuels and Ronald D. White September 16, 2009 Signs are increasing that an economic turnaround has begun [...]
Another voice seeking Constitutional Convention for California
September 7th, 2009 · No Comments · California government, economy, government reform, News and Information, Opinion, Uncategorized
The Star-News’ Larry Wilson came out in favor of examining the state constitution at a Constitutional Convention: Larry Wilson: Time to focus on reform of state’s constitution It’s hard in the midst of a murderous natural disaster to focus on other problems and opportunities. Last week, in the smoke, it was hard to focus [...]
Tags:business·business growth·California government·constitutional convention·economy·Governor Schwarzenegger·reform·taxes
The Star-news sounds off, via proxy, on one of my pet peeves
September 7th, 2009 · No Comments · economy, environment, Opinion, policy, resources, Uncategorized, water
Reprinted from the Santa Cruz Sentinel is a broadside against plastic bags and a call for a ban. Another View: The scourge of plastic bags The accumulation of plastic debris in the ocean cannot continue. This means public policies will have to change regarding single-use plastic products, such as bags for carrying groceries and other [...]
Tags:business·business growth·environment·local solutions·plastic bags·water
East Coast trip – my own leading indicators
September 7th, 2009 · No Comments · economy, News and Information, Opinion, Uncategorized
Our family spent the last week on the east coast. We flew into New York, spent a night there, then took Courtney to college and spent a few days rambling around New England and New York state before going back to the city for a few nights. It was interesting to see how the economy [...]
Economic mixed signals again, should we be surprised?
July 27th, 2009 · No Comments · News and Information, Opinion, Uncategorized
From the Los Angeles Times: Stocks waver amid mixed signals on the economy Associated Press 8:37 AM PDT, July 27, 2009 NEW YORK — Mixed reports on the economy and earnings left the stock market drifting lower today, easing off of a two-week rally that lifted major indexes 11 percent. A government report showing sales [...]
Tags:Bernanke·business·business growth·Chamber of Commerce·economic indicators·economy·Geithner·home sales·mortgage crisis·Pasadena business·Pasadena Chamber·recession·stimulus·stocks·taxes·technology
Budget deal struck for California
July 21st, 2009 · No Comments · News and Information, Opinion, policy
News reports indicate that yesterday our legislative leaders and governor came to agreement on a budget deal. Indications are it could be voted on by the Assembly on Thursday. Some high points: No big tax increases. The budget depends on deep program cuts. Local governments would lose billions, both in transportation funding and redevelopment monies. [...]
Tags:business·business growth·economy·Governor Schwarzenegger·Pasadena business·recession·stimulus·taxes
California's run out of time
July 4th, 2009 · No Comments · News and Information, Opinion, policy
As of Wednesday, state Controller John Chiang began issuing warrants to cover some of California’s financial obligations. So far, it’s primarily just hurting those who were getting tax refunds. The longer the legislature and governor dither over this, the more obligations California cannot pay and the higher the cost to repay becomes, further building on [...]
Tags:budget·business·California·economy·fiscal responsility·Governor Schwarzenegger·IOUs·recession·responsible government·taxes·wararnts