State Net Capitol Journal Says California has gone from Leader to Laggard

For years, California was on the cutting edge of societal and political change. But as columnist Lou Cannon reports in the July 21 State Net Capitol Journal, a myriad of serious problems -- many of them self-induced -- have transformed the Golden State from a leader into a laggard.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) July 20, 2008 -- For years, California was on the cutting edge of societal and political change. But as columnist Lou Cannon reports in the July 21 State Net Capitol Journal, a myriad of serious problems -- many of them self-induced -- have transformed the Golden State from a leader into a laggard.

"Once a beacon of good government, California is now a symbol of partisan gridlock that mirrors the dysfunction of the national government," Cannon writes. "Seven weeks after the deadline, the Legislature remains stalled along party lines on a state budget with a record $15 billion budget shortfall. The state is also trying to fend off a federal court order that would require it to spend $7 billion to upgrade prison health care. It is struggling to maintain roads and bridges during a summer when wildfires are adding to the toll on public infrastructure."

In spite of all these troubles, Cannon says there is a major bipartisan reform effort underway that could help return the state to its previous heights.

To get the full story, check out the new issue of the State Net Capitol Journal on the State Net Web site at www.statenet.com.

About State Net
State Net (www.statenet.com) has helped organizations track legislative and regulatory developments for more than 30 years. Headquartered in Sacramento, State Net monitors every bill in the 50 states, District of Columbia and Congress as well as all state agency regulations. The company delivers online services, issue-based consultation and analysis that enable the nation's leading organizations to effectively respond to opportunities and risks across the nation.

The State Net Capitol Journal delivers coverage of public policy issues from all 50 states. Featuring analysis of emerging trends, state budgets, governors, legislatures and elections, SNCJ readers gain an intelligent overview of the major political issues and events in state governments.

References: Cannon, Lou. (2008, July 21). "California Dreaming" State Net Capitol Journal. www.statenet.com

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