Lucy Ma

Double major in International Relations and Economics, CSU Chico. Former writer for Gov. Schwarzenegger, Communications Director in CA State Assembly, and fundraising consultant. IVN contributor on CA politics. Registered Republican.

Jerry Brown Announces Multi-Billion Dollar Bay Delta Plan

Credit: aecom.com Today, Governor Jerry Brown and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar formally announced the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. The BDCP is a controversial multi-billion dollar project aimed

By Lucy Ma

/ July 25, 2012

Jerry Brown Announces Multi-Billion Dollar Bay Delta Plan

California State Capitol Roundup

Here's your midweek news update: Tuesday, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that will allow the Fair Political Practices Commission- the state campaign finance watchdog- to

By Lucy Ma

/ July 25, 2012

California State Capitol Roundup

A few current California news items making the rounds this week: California's water wars is set to heat up again as Governor Jerry Brown and federal Interior Secretary

By Lucy Ma

/ July 24, 2012

House Majority Dependent on California Races

Photo: Gage Skidmore Despite its reputation as a blue state, California is of paramount importance to Republicans aiming to maintain control in the House of Representatives past this election cycle.

By Lucy Ma

/ July 24, 2012

House Majority Dependent on California Races

California to Implement Affordable Care Act Amid Budget Constraints

Credit: labeez.org The Public Policy Institute of California published a recent report that takes a closer look at how the federal Affordable Care Act will be implemented in California

By Lucy Ma

/ July 22, 2012

California to Implement Affordable Care Act Amid Budget Constraints

Updates from California's State Capitol

Earlier in the week, the Capitol community was abuzz when The Bee uncovered an unauthorized vacation buyout program taking place in the Department of Parks and Recreation. A buyout that

By Lucy Ma

/ July 21, 2012

UC Regents Make Tough Decisions Amidst Funding Uncertainty

Credit: dailycal.org The University of California Board of Regents met this week to vote on several issues with large impact on university campuses statewide. UC leaders approved a resolution

By Lucy Ma

/ July 20, 2012

UC Regents Make Tough Decisions Amidst Funding Uncertainty

Pay Hikes for CA Legislative Staff Raise Eyebrows

It's no secret that California's fiscal house has long been out of order, and it's become especially apparent this past year when the Governor

By Lucy Ma

/ July 20, 2012

Pay Hikes for CA Legislative Staff Raise Eyebrows

Same Party Runoffs Slated for California General Election

Credit: laist.com California’s political landscape has undergone some major changes in 2012 due to redistricting and the introduction of the state’s first top two open primary. New

By Lucy Ma

/ July 20, 2012

Same Party Runoffs Slated for California General Election

Third California City Seeks Bankruptcy Protection: More to Come?

Over the past month, three California cities, Stockton, Mammoth Lakes, and now San Bernardino have begun proceedings to file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection. This is an alarming trend when

By Lucy Ma

/ July 12, 2012

Third California City Seeks Bankruptcy Protection: More to Come?

Full Steam Ahead: CA Legislature Passes High-speed Rail Bill [UPDATE]

UPDATE As expected, members of the California State Assembly voted Thursday afternoon to approve the initial $8 billion in funding for the high-speed rail. Final vote came in at 51

By Lucy Ma

/ July 6, 2012

Full Steam Ahead: CA Legislature Passes High-speed Rail Bill [UPDATE]

New Study on CA Global Warming Law Indicates Higher Costs

The California Manufacturers and Technology Association released a new report last week that suggests costs associated with AB 32 may be a lot higher than previously estimated. AB 32, otherwise

By Lucy Ma

/ July 4, 2012

New Study on CA Global Warming Law Indicates Higher Costs