thebear

Jane Susskind commented on the post, TiEcon 2013: “Fostering Entrepreneurship” in the Silicon Valley, on the site The Social Ballot 1 day, 17 hours ago

More info: https://sv.tie.org/initiative/tiecon

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, TiEcon 2013: “Fostering Entrepreneurship” in the Silicon Valley, on the site The Social Ballot 1 day, 18 hours ago

“Fostering Entrepreneurship” is the motto of this year’s TiEcon annual conference, which takes place this weekend in the heart of the Silicon Valley. In what’s referred to as the World’s Largest Conference for […]

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Chris Christie Cashes In With Californians, on the site Money Talks 1 day, 19 hours ago

It is very true that Governor Christie has been able to appeal to much more than just Republican and I think this is great. We need more politicians like that.

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Debate Over CA Online Voting Bill Weighs Accessibility Against Security, on the site IVN 1 day, 19 hours ago

I agree that some precautions need to be taken before going forward with online voting but we need to start somewhere. Canada has done a lot of good experiment, we should maybe look into what they ar doing.

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Fort Hood Victims Denied Benefits 4 Years Later, on the site IVN 1 day, 19 hours ago

I had forgotten about this story and really did not know that the families of the victims where still denied compensation.

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, UC President Mark Yudof Dispels Claims About System Shortcomings, on the site Progress Report 1 day, 20 hours ago

The price of college has become ridiculous. I don’t know how we can continue to put such weight on a 18 years old shoulders who do not know what the consequences of taking so much loans are.

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Says Tuition Freezes Will Hurt University Services, on the site IVN 1 day, 22 hours ago

University of California President Mark Yudof has faced criticism during his tenure as leader of the prestigious 10-campus system. However, he explains there is more to his role than raising tuition and […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Mark Yudof Dispels Claims About System Shortcomings, on the site Progress Report 1 day, 22 hours ago

University of California President Mark Yudof has faced criticism during his tenure as leader of the prestigious 10-campus system. However, he explains there is more to his role than raising tuition and […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Increasing Time Spent on Political Fundraising Highlights Need for Reform, on the site California 1 day, 22 hours ago

The campaign season is over and the next round is still a year away. However, legislators never really stop being a candidate and the California political fundraising machine is already running.

A recent <a […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Debate Over CA Online Voting Bill Weighs Accessibilty Against Security, on the site IVN 1 day, 23 hours ago

Independent voters now account for approximately 40 percent of all voters in the United States. Following the national trend, California voters are increasingly leaving the two major parties, with almost 3.7 […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Cost of Health Care for Retired State Workers a Heavy Burden on CA Budget, on the site IVN 2 days, 14 hours ago

Tuesday’s May revise budget not only highlights this year’s good financial situation, but also what future liability California is facing. One of the largest unfunded liabilities is the cost of health care for […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Health Care for Retired Public Employees High on List of Unfunded Liabilities, on the site California 2 days, 14 hours ago

Tuesday’s May revise budget not only highlights this year’s good financial situation, but also what future liability California is facing. One of the largest unfunded liabilities is the cost of health care for […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, 7 Important Revisions to Education Funding in CA You May Have Missed, on the site IVN 2 days, 22 hours ago

As soon as Governor Brown released the May revision of the California 2013-2014 budget, analysts and experts were all over it. With regards to education funding, much of what had to be said about the budget […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, 7 Highlights from California Revised Budget for Education, on the site Progress Report 2 days, 22 hours ago

As soon as Governor Brown released the May revision of the California 2013-2014 budget, analysts and experts were all over it. With regards to education funding, much of what had to be said about the budget […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Immigrants in California Likely to Dropout or Attain Higher Education, on the site Progress Report 3 days, 17 hours ago

According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 37 percent of the state’s immigrants who are 25 or older did not complete high school in 2011. Overall, 25 percent of immigrants have college degrees. […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, No Labels Town Hall: What Would You #AskCongress?, on the site The Social Ballot 3 days, 18 hours ago

Today, the nonpartisan organization No Labels is launching No Labels Radio, kicking it off with the first of a monthly series of Twitter town halls. With Gov. Jon Huntsman and Sen. Joe Manchin hosting today’s […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Revised Budget Resolves Major GOP Criticism of Prison Realignment, on the site California 3 days, 22 hours ago

Governor Brown’s revised state budget — released on Tuesday — and its conservative approach to California’s economic future were well-received, even by Republicans. The May revise also addresses growing […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, 61% of U.S. Voters Disagree with Internet Sales Tax Bill, on the site Infographics 4 days, 15 hours ago

On May 6, the Marketplace Fairness Act, commonly referred to as the Internet sales tax bill, passed the Senate. If passed through Congress, the bill would force retailers to collect taxes for online purchases, […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, Parcel Taxes Made Easier to Raise Local School Revenue by Amendment, on the site Progress Report 4 days, 19 hours ago

That’s what I’ve been thinking for a while now. Some of these communities don’t mind parcel taxes so much, but taxes seem to be coming from all different directions. However, I feel like parcel taxes are small […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Amendment Makes it Easier to Raise Property Taxes for Education Funding, on the site IVN 4 days, 20 hours ago

California school and community college boards can increase local revenues for their schools through a parcel tax. These are voter-approved tax increases on property.

Parcel taxes require a 2/3 vote in a […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Parcel Taxes Made Easier to Raise Local School Revenue by Amendment, on the site Progress Report 4 days, 23 hours ago

California school and community college boards can increase local revenues for their schools through a parcel tax. These are voter-approved tax increases on property.

Parcel taxes require a 2/3 vote in a […]

Indy commented on the post, FEC Commissioners Defend Agency Performance, on the site Money Talks 5 days, 11 hours ago

Another interesting point.

Indy commented on the post, IRS Targeting Conservative Groups May Douse Enforcement, on the site Money Talks 5 days, 11 hours ago

Interesting points you make here Alex.

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, How Immigration Reform Affects Drone Use in Southwest States, on the site California 5 days, 14 hours ago

Immigration reform and drones are among the most highly discussed issues in the country. For states bordering Mexico, the two issues are becoming one.

One of the major component of the immigration reform […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, A Lesson in Geography: Twitter vs. Mainstream Media, on the site The Social Ballot 5 days, 16 hours ago

Last year, Twitter hit a benchmark in its quest to the top of the social ladder, boasting over 200 million active users on the social network. What remains less clear, however, is where these users are located and […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Colorado Passes Law Expanding Voting Access, Follows National Trend, on the site IVN 5 days, 21 hours ago

Last week, the Colorado Senate voted in favor of an important election reform bill, making the state the latest example of a nationwide trend to expand voting access.

In 2011 and 2012, a number of state […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Why Your Electric Bill is Getting More Expensive, on the site California 5 days, 23 hours ago

Depending on what territory you live in, the utility that provides your electricity is either owned or an Investor Owned Utility (IOU).

Contrary to popular belief, IOUs such as SDG&E, PG&E, and Southern […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Meaningful Drone Policy Comes From Meaningful Discussion , on the site IVN 1 week, 1 day ago

For most, the term ‘drone’ has come to reflect a dangerous and abused weapon of war capable of targeting enemies from above. The politically charged debate on drone policy has seen a transformation in the last […]

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Adam Kokesh Plans Armed March on Washington, on the site The Political Alternative 1 week, 1 day ago

I really do not think that marching in DC armed is going to be very efficient. I believe that some acts of civil disobedience can sometime be strike a cord and give publicity to a little known issue. The issue of […]

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Republican Lawmaker Adds Gun Amendments to Barbara Boxer’s Levee Bill, on the site The Neutral Zone 1 week, 1 day ago

Putting the issue of guns in the bill is the best way for it to fail. Sadly.

Indy wrote a new post, Example Post, on the site Penigma 1 week, 1 day ago

Welcome to Independent Voter Network . This is a brand new column, and this is an example post.

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Governor Brown to Announce Revised State Budget Next Week, on the site IVN 1 week, 1 day ago

Next week, Governor Brown will announce the revised state budget for May and California is expected to have an important surplus for the first time in years. However, before Californians expect too much from […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, The California Budget Surplus and the Dangers of One Time Revenues, on the site Money Talks 1 week, 1 day ago

Next week, Governor Brown will announce revised state budget for May and California is expected to have an important surplus for the first time in years. However, before Californians expect too much from the […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Refinancing Private Student Loans Urged By CFPB in Report, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 1 day ago

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), there are over 38 million student borrowers accumulating $1.1 trillion of student loan debt. While most student borrowers are turning to federal […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, California Sen. Cannella Targets Cyber Revenge with SB 255, on the site The Social Ballot 1 week, 2 days ago

Introduced by State Senator Cannella, California’s SB 255 would make it illegal to distribute information and images of any person with the intent to cause humiliation and emotional distress without […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Student Expresses Frustration With Education in Viral Video, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 2 days ago

The following video is making its way around the internet as we speak. A student expresses frustration with how his teacher shows a lack of commitment to engaging with students. It is said to take place at a […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Immigration Laws In the United States over the Last Century, on the site Infographics 1 week, 2 days ago

With the Senate judiciary committee preparing the immigration reform bill for the floor this week, the Sunlight Foundation created a timeline of the major immigration laws in the United States over the last […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Bill Proposes New Standardized Testing Assessment to Align with Common Core, on the site IVN 1 week, 2 days ago

It is by law that California administers a form of statewide academic assessment. Standardized testing is criticized for futility, but Assembly Bill 484 attempts to put meaning into testing. By the 2014 school […]

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Affordable Care Act Education Efforts Have A Long Way to Go, on the site IVN 1 week, 2 days ago

I know that the ACA has become law but I indeed do not really know how it would affect my personal situation.

Lucas Eaves commented on the post, Super PACs Continue to Test Legal Boundaries, on the site Money Talks 1 week, 2 days ago

The issue of independence of super-PACS was extremely well highlighted by Stephen Colbert and John Stewart during the election when Colbert created a super pac, that received substancial donations, and gave the […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, Obama Approval Rating Remains High, GOP Popular on Key Issues, on the site The Frog and The Eagle 1 week, 2 days ago

The Pew Research Center released a new public opinion poll and it shows a disparity between how the American people perceive the actions of the Presidency and the Congress. The poll also shows public perception of […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Next Chapter in Standardized Testing Aligns with Common Core, AB 484, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 2 days ago

It is by law that California administers a form of statewide academic assessment. Standardized testing is criticized for futility, but Assembly Bill 484 attempts to put meaning into testing. By the 2014 school […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Attention Journalists: Twitter Wants YOU, on the site The Social Ballot 1 week, 3 days ago

If you’re a journalist interested in the relationship between the newsroom and social media, Twitter may have a job for you. In a clear push towards attracting journalists to Twitter, the company has posted a <a href="https://twitter.com/jobs/positions?jvi=o5RpXfw2,Job " […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Keeping Up With California Education Legislation, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 3 days ago

California lawmakers have been cranking out new bills for the past few months. The legislature is increasingly active in the state of education ranging from K-12 testing and accountability, to the expansion of […]

Jane Susskind commented on the post, 5 Reasons Why U.S. is Not Ready for Domestic Drone Use, on the site IVN 1 week, 3 days ago

I think the way the “drone debate” is shaped in the media has a lot to do with the lack of understanding for the potentially beneficial uses of the technology. For starters, even just the repeated use of the word […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Mark Yudof Says 4-Year Graduation Average Needed in CA, on the site IVN 1 week, 3 days ago

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a discussion with University of California (UC) President Mark Yudof on Tuesday. Yudof reflected on his five years leading the UC system and the state of […]

Lucas Eaves wrote a new post, 5 Reasons Why U.S. is Not Ready for Domestic Drone Use, on the site IVN 1 week, 3 days ago

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — more commonly known as drones — are a topic of contention in the United States. Despite the numerous benefits that could come from the commercial use of drones, many […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Mark Yudof Sees Fundamental Changes Needed in Higher Ed, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 4 days ago

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a discussion with University of California (UC) President Mark Yudof on Tuesday. Yudof reflected on his five years leading the UC system and the state of […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Online Privacy Bill Halted As Silicon Valley Lobbying Doubles, on the site IVN 1 week, 4 days ago

The fight for online privacy rights in California took a major blow this month as AB 1291, or the “Right to Know Act of 2013,” became a two-year bill, essentially halting all action until January 2014. […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, Florida Top-Two Open Primary Elections Proposed Legislation Features, on the site Independent Florida 1 week, 4 days ago

@jamesspurgeon Your first point is a valid concern, but independent candidates are hardly competitive in general elections as is. Political campaigns should be smarter and start early to build a base of support. […]

Unfiltered News. For You. By You.

Empowering Voters, Public Officials, Civic Leaders, and Journalists to Speak for Yourself.

Interested in writing an article?

About the Network

It's help from people like you who can keep this going.