Public Policy Institute of California - Government RSS Feed

Some findings of the current survey:

• Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage ban that voters approved, drew support from evangelical Christians, Republicans, Latinos, voters without a college degree, and those aged 55 and older.
• The most frequently cited reason for voting against Proposition 4, the abortion measure that lost, was belief in a woman's right to choose (38%).
• Most voters agree that too much money was spent on the initiative campaigns (75%), the ballot wording was too complicated and confusing (63%), and that there were too many initiatives (52%).

This is the 93rd PPIC Statewide Survey and the 33rd in the Californians and Their Government survey series, which is conducted to examine the social, economic, and political trends that influence public policy preferences and ballot choices. It is currently supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.

California has taken center stage in national and international efforts to fight global warming. This survey of over 300 of the state’s cities and counties puts the spotlight on the role California’s local governments are playing. It finds that there is already considerable local involvement in activities related to climate change. However, many efforts are still focused on municipal operations and facilities, rather than on the broader community. Better information on successful programs and funding sources, and greater clarity in state law on conformity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will help further local efforts.

California has ambitious plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But the state also needs an integrated policy to prepare for―and adapt to―climate change. This report finds that some institutions, such as water agencies and electrical utilities, have already begun planning for change. But other areas have yet to prepare effectively for the challenges of a changing California.

More information can be found in the following supporting reports:

Climate Change in California: Scenarios for Adaptation

Adapting California’s Water Management to Climate Change

Adaptation of California’s Electricity Sector to Climate Change

California Coastal Management with a Changing Climate

Air Quality Planning and California’s Changing Climate

Climate Change and California’s Public Health Institutions

Conservation and Management of Ecological Systems in a Changing California

Some findings of the current survey:

• Californians say the most important issue facing higher education is its cost.
• Solid majorities across all regional, demographic, and political groups rate the performance of the three state higher education systems as excellent or good.
• Sixty-four percent of Latino parents are “very worried” about affording a college education, while only 29 percent of white parents say the same.

This is the 92nd PPIC Statewide Survey and the second Californians and Higher Education survey, which seeks to inform state policymakers, encourage discussion, and raise public awareness about issues affecting higher education. It is supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Some findings of the current survey:

• Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, is losing (52% to 44%) among likely voters. Support for Propositions 4 and 11 is less than 50 percent.
• Likely voters prefer Sen. Barack Obama for president over Sen. John McCain by a 23-point margin, a 13-point gain since last month.
• Seventy-one percent of Californians think the state is headed in the wrong direction.

This is the 91st PPIC Statewide Survey and the 32nd in the Californians and Their Government survey series, which is conducted to examine the social, economic, and political trends that influence public policy preferences and ballot choices. It is currently supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.