California’s Governor is a key player in the legislative process, even though the bulk of legislation is done by the Legislature. It is important to appreciate the various roles that the state’s chief executive plays in this process. Some of...
California’s agencies, as well as the departments, boards and commissions under them, engage in a tremendous amount of public policymaking through both the rule making process, and their interpretation and enforcement of existing statutes and regulations. These agencies are the...
The California Board of Equalization (BOE) was established in the state Constitution in 1879 and had responsibility for ensuring county property tax assessment practices were equal and uniform throughout the entire state (hence, the name “equalization”). Over the ensuing decades,...
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is the nonpartisan (originally partisan) elected executive officer of the California Department of Education. The SPI directs all functions of the Department of Education, executes policies set by the California State Board of...
California’s elected Insurance Commissioner (IC) regulates almost all lines of insurance (with the notable exception of workers’ compensation). He or she heads the Department of Insurance (CDI), which was created in 1868 as part of a national system of state-based...
As the chief fiscal officer of California, the fifth largest economy in the world, the Controller is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources, and conducts independent audits of government agencies that spend state funds. This position...
The State Treasurer has broad responsibilities and authority in the areas of investment and finance and serves as the State’s lead asset manager, banker and financier. In addition, the Treasurer serves as chairperson or a member of numerous State authorities,...