Mired in a steep budget deficit, some California officials claim that legalizing marijuana could generate a significant revenue stream.  According to the State Board of Equalization, marijuana sales would raise $990 million from a $50 per ounce fee and $392 million in sales taxes.  A trio of Northern California criminal attorneys has already submitted a pot legalization measure to the state attorney general's office for consideration.  If accepted, the measure would require 443,000 signatures to place The Tax, Regulate, and Control Cannabis Act on the November 2010 ballo

From FreeandEqual.org: A Back Room Budget Deal earlier this year means the so-called "Top-Two" Primary will be voted on by California citizens.

The vote would institute a Washington state style "Top-Two" system, in which the top two vote getters in the primary are the only names to appear on the November ballot -even if that means only one political party is represented.

Free & Equal board member Richard Winger writes in Ballot Access News:

State Universities have seen better days. In the next five years, classes are expected to increase by 10-20% while faculty is expected to decline by 10%. Tuition has more than doubled in nine years. 724 staff members have been laid off already, system-wide. Furloughs will be implemented September 1st.

Attorney General Brown makes it clear in his Amicus Brief that California supports the NRA petitioners in their recent Supreme Court Case vs. the City of Chicago.

A little over a week ago Amazon sent a letter to California legislators threatening to end its business with marketing affiliates if legislation was passed imposing sales tax for internet purchases on companies such as themselves.

You gotta love the golden state.  The land of opportunity, technology, and face lifts.  It is a state that boasts all the natural resources one could need.  It's got agriculture, energy, water, and beautiful women.  It has a diverse population, an amazing coastline, beaches, ski resorts, and a governor that could beat up your entire family.  But, they don't have money. 

The Democrats failed to pass the first of 20 budget proposals yesterday (Wed 6/24).  Not that it would have been too much better otherwise, as this proposal addressed only $11 of the $24 billion problem. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal addressed $16 billion, but received scrutiny for cutting programs for the poor, including the now infamous “900,000 children” that will be without state-funded health insurance.

Arambula expresses disappointment over the state's water problem solutions and the Democratic leaders who curb the deficit by raising taxes without deeper cuts using "phantom money" (LA Times).

A Project Labor Agreement, or PLA, will not be used in the $887 million project (scheduled to begin this summer) to expand San Diego’s International Airport at Lindbergh Field. This decision is giving rise to dispute.

Imagine if ANYONE could run for office, wouldn’t that be nice? When I say “ANYONE” I mean even people who do not have a million dollars. Yes, I know, it’s hard to imagine.  But what if candidates- under strict rules- received enough money from a state fund to actually win an election? AB 583 is authored by Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D- East Bay) and intends to do just that.