The current lack of legislative oversight of state agencies and programs is unacceptable. The legislature needs to ensure that waste is eliminated and accountability is enforced. Dan Walters recently wrote that, “the Legislature hasn't been doing much in the two months since it reconvened” and he rightly lists the many instances of government mismanagement that demand increased investigation and oversight-- hidden funds, intentional overpayment of employees, realignment challenges and unfunded pension liabilities- 2/6/2013- Sacramento Bee
U.S. students are falling behind international students in science and math as they get older. Elementary and middle school students performed above average in math, science and reading. “But experts said the rankings, along with similar exams that test students at later ages, show a fundamental problem in America's education system: students tend to perform worse as they age.”
- 12/11/2012- Huffington Post
Many are leaving California to find employment in other states, as job opportunities are slim and commutes have increased. “The promise for these in-state migrants was similar to the same lifestyle dream that drew so many to the state in their parents’ and grandparents’ generation – the good life, a house with land in a benign climate at a price they could handle.”
- 10/7/2012- U-T San Diego
Chief Executive of Intel Paul Otellini comments on the state of the economy in California and Intel’s development of new factories in neighboring states.
- 10/3/2012- Wall Street Journal
Andrew Hacker, Political science professor at Queens College, City University of New York, raises the question of whether algebra is needed. He discusses the implications of requiring students to study a subject they may not employ in their post high school careers.
- 7/28/2012- New York Times
The U.S. is internationally ranked 21st in high school completion rate. This statistic needs improvement. Dropping out leaves an opportunity cost for both individuals and society. “When the costs of investment to produce a new graduate are taken into account, there is a return of $1.45 to $3.55 for every dollar of investment, depending upon the educational intervention strategy. Under this estimate, each new graduate confers a net benefit to taxpayers of about $127,000 over the graduate’s lifetime.”- 1/25/2012- New York Times
Juan Rangel—CEO of Chicago's United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) and co-chair of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's recent election campaign— asserts that the main question Hispanics should answer is whether, “we want to be the next victimized minority group in America, or do we want to be the next successful immigrant group?"
- 9/17/2011- Wall Street Journal
Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, comments on the business climate in California and says, “We at CKE love California, but the hard truth is this: California is the most business-unfriendly state in which we operate.”
- 7/14/2011- Califonia Political Review
Scientist Andreas Schleicher uses his academic background to quantitatively analyze and develop assessment tools to test the effectiveness of education systems. He consults with education leaders around the world, including the United States, and works to improve global learning.
- 7/1/2011- The Atlantic
Former New York City School Chancellor, Joel Klein, comments on the status of education in the United States, the struggles found in New York City, and the need for political change. Klein summarizes his experience with powerful union groups in New York and their ability to block needed reform.
- 6/1/2011- The Atlantic
