Why does California seem to struggle with its budget every year? Is state spending really out of line, as Republicans suggest, or are Democrats right when they say we need more revenue? This August 20 Sacramento Bee article provides key mileposts on the road to this year's state budget stalemate, along with key statistics to help you get to the bottom of the debate.

To say the least! This August 1 press release from SEIU International responds to a Wall Street Journal article outlining Walmart's latest union-busting tactic: warning Walmart staff on company time about unionization issues that are certain to arise if Obama wins.

Update on Governor's minimum wage plan, CSUMB negotiations on contracting out, CSUDM Alliance event, and more!

This August 5 bargaining update details the latest contract negotiation talks, Chancellor Reed's pledge regarding CSU employee salaries, a tentative agreement on IRP information requests, and the proposed creation of new job classifications.

Only three states require a two-thirds legislative majority to pass a budget: California, Rhode Island and Arkansas. This has led to perennial budget gridlock in California, yet in 2004 Californians roundly defeated Prop. 56, which would have amended the requirement to a 55 percent vote. In this August 3 article, Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters argues that it's finally time to change California's two-thirds requirement.

It may be a distant two years away, but the next Governor's race is already off and running with Lt. Governor John Garamendi's July 31 announcement that he is running for governor. He launched his campaign by leveling a blistering attack on Gov. Schwarzenegger, as detailed in this August 1 Sacramento Bee article.

In response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s July 31 signing of an executive order to cut the pay of state workers to the federal minimum wage until a budget is passed, California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed reiterates in this press release that CSU employees will continue to receive their regular paychecks. 

According to this July 26 Sacramento Bee article, Legislative Counsel Diane Boyer-Vine has deemed that an executive order issued by Governor Schwarzenegger could not force State Controller John Chiang to start paying state workers the minimum wage in August. Chiang has gone on record opposing the Governor's plan.

CSUEU President Pat Gantt was among the signatories of this July 25 Alliance for the CSU letter to the Governor arguing for increased CSU funding in the state budget.

The CSU Chancellor will ensure that CSU employees receive their paychecks, according to this July 24 press release from CSU Office of the Chancellor Public Affairs.