Look! The government is spending our money! (Courtesy 'Atlas Shrugged III,')
Let's get straight down to business. The business of government, that is.
This week Chris Neklason, an admitted government-nerd, delivers parts two and three of a series on how government raises and spends money. It's a project that has fascinated Chris for years—back in 2022, he framed the topic thusly: "The genius of democracy is that when citizens are taxed to fund public services, the citizenry is responsible for providing oversight in the administration of those funds. Participating in that oversight process is certainly in our enlightened self interest."
Belive it or not, the bolgpost containing that statement includes a scene from the fantasy novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, hero to tax-hating Libertarians (no disrespect intended).
Here, Chris makes it easier to participate in your governments budgeting process.
Find Out Where Your Money Goes
Democracy really does live in California—do not believe the haters, and read all about it in Jon Vankin's book (see banner ad at the top of this page). To prove it, the State Controllers office makes a handy tool available that allows you to see exactly how your county, town or city raises and spends your tax money. And: Here find a quickish primer on county government funding that will help you make sense of billions of public dollars.
Get to Know a Group
Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The organization believes that all children can achieve success when given the proper tools and resources—and volunteer mentors are among the most important of those resources.
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• A California Court Just Granted an Ag Giant a Win. It Could Jeopardize New Farm Union Law
A judge has halted a union effort at the Wonderful Company, throwing into question a new state law designed to make it easier for agricultural workers to organize.
(07/19/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sent a Mentally Ill Man to a State Hospital. Then It Charged Him $760,000
California State Hospitals can bill patients for the care they receive during confinement. The charges often run in the tens of thousands of dollars, putting vulnerable people in debt for years.
(07/17/2024) → CalMatters
• California Says ICE Detainees Have Labor Rights. They Earn $1 a Day Scrubbing Bathrooms
California failed to ban private detention centers. Now, it’s focusing on their working conditions, for immigrants who toil for $1 a day.
(07/17/2024) → CalMatters
• CA Cities and Counties Ignoring Mandate to Monitor Homeless Shelters
In 2021, responding to reports that the state’s homeless shelters were dirty and dangerous, the state Legislature crafted a plan: It would require local governments to inspect their shelters after complaints and file annual reports on shelter conditions.
(07/17/2024) → CalMatters
• California Passed a Law to Fix Unsafe Homeless Shelters. Cities and Counties Are Ignoring It
The Supreme Court’s decision on homelessness will test a shelter system that’s full of problems – and lacking accountability.
(07/16/2024) → CalMatters
• If Californians Vote to Ban Slavery This Fall, Will Prisoners Get a Raise?
California courts have long upheld below-minimum wage pay for prison inmates working a wide range of jobs. A 2024 ballot measure that would ban forced labor could alter those decisions.
(07/16/2024) → CalMatters
• Judge Temporarily Blocks State Order to Growers Who Depleted Groundwater
A Kings County judge today issued a temporary restraining order against the state that pauses its unprecedented move to crack down on groundwater depletion in California’s agricultural heartland.
(07/16/2024) → CalMatters
• Steve Garvey Outraises Adam Schiff — But Still Has Less in Bank — In U.S. Senate Bid
The Republican hopeful brought in more cash than Democratic rival Adam Schiff for the first time this campaign during the latest quarter, but still has less to spend.
(07/16/2024) → CalMatters
Look! The government is spending our money! (Courtesy 'Atlas Shrugged III,')
