California's Digital Divide
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Public Policy Institute of California
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to informing and improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research.
PPIC's dynamic research program focuses on the forces shaping California's future. Our projects cut across a wide range of policy areas. The multidisciplinary research staff has expertise in a number of fields, including economics, demography, political science, sociology, and environmental resources. We make our findings widely available, and our publications range from comprehensive in-depth reports to surveys to one-page fact sheets. All of our materials are available free on our website.
In addition, the PPIC Statewide Survey has generated an extensive, searchable database.
PPIC's extensive outreach program offers a rich array of activities and events, including an ongoing briefing series in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Mark Baldassare is President and Chief Executive Officer of PPIC. Walter B. Hewlett is Chair of the Board of Directors. Founded in 1994 with an endowment from William R. Hewlett, PPIC is headquartered in San Francisco. The PPIC Sacramento Center opened in 2007.
Publications
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Information Technology
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Some findings of the current survey:
- The share of Californians with broadband is up 7 points since last year, with Internet use increasing by 6 points, and Internet access at home by 4 points.
- A large majority of Californians, 83 percent, believe access to high-speed broadband is important, including 76 percent without broadband themselves.
- Latinos in California still lag well behind whites, blacks, and Asians in measures such as broadband adoption.
Mood of Californians: 
Time Trends for the Mood of Californians: This survey is supported by funding from the California Emerging Technology Fund and ZeroDivide.
Do California's Enterprise Zones Create Jobs? Summary
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Do California's Enterprise Zones Create Jobs?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Californias enterprise zone program was established to spur business and job creation in economically distressed areas. Offering tax credits and other incentives to businesses throughout the state, it is Californias largest economic development program. But does it work? This report finds that enterprise zones have no overall effect on job growth. There are some positive findings: for example, the program raises employment more in zones with smaller manufacturing shares, and marketing and outreach efforts seem to be helpful. But the reports main finding calls into question the wisdom of investing in the program as it stands.
California School Finance Revenue Manual
Monday, June 8, 2009
The funding system for Californias public schools is overly complexeven many experts lack information about how revenue is distributed. This comprehensive manual provides some fundamental and much needed facts, describing each revenue source and providing basic statistics on how that source distributes funds. This information, especially when used in conjunction with the PPIC School Finance Model, should help to promote a more open and informed discussion of school finance policy in the state.
Educating California: Choices for the Future
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The bad news is that California is facing a skills gap - a shortage of college graduates - that threatens its economic future. But the good news is that modest improvements in college enrollment, community college transfers, and the college completion rate, particularly in the California State University system, could help to narrow that gap substantially. These improvements will not only help Californias young adults succeed in an increasingly high-skill economy but will also benefit the state by increasing tax revenues and allowing for greater economic growth.
SURVEYEconomic Development: The Local Perspective
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Since Proposition 13 in 1978 restricted property tax income, Californias local governments have increased their economic development activities, especially in the areas of land development and retail sales. Such measures have provoked criticism, but local officials say they have few alternatives. This paper presents a detailed survey of local economic development policies and activities. It includes assessments of their successes and failures by local officials. The results show that significant barriers to local economic activity exist, among them an inadequate state transportation infrastructure, high energy costs, and lack of an appropriately trained workforce.
Child Poverty in California
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Some findings of the current survey:
- Only one of the six propositions on the May 19 special election ballot has majority support from likely voters. Opposition to all six has risen since March.
- Fifty-seven percent of Californians say things in the United States are generally going in the right direction, the first time a majority has said so since the question was first asked in 2003.
- While nearly half of Californians say they are very or somewhat worried about personal or family job loss, this share has declined 11 points since January.
Job Approval Ratings:
Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings:
Mood of Californians: Time Trends for the Mood of Californians: This survey is supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.
California's Welfare Caseload
Thursday, May 7, 2009
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Some findings of the current survey:
- A solid majority of residents say the K12 system needs major changes. High dropout rates and low student achievement top the list of concerns.
- Most Californians are very concerned that the states budget gap will cause significant cuts in education, the area they most want to protect from such cuts.
- Support for the high school exit exam is higher among those with just a high school diploma than among those who have attended or graduated from college.
Job Approval Ratings:
Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings:
This survey is supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Closing the Gap: Meeting California's Need for College Graduates
Thursday, April 16, 2009
California faces a shortage of almost a million college-educated workers by 2025. Taking a practical approach, this report finds that this education-skills gap could be cut in half by modest investments in programs aimed at expanding college attendance rates, increasing transfer rates from community colleges to four-year institutions, and boosting graduation rates at four-year institutions. As the states economy becomes increasingly reliant on highly skilled workers, a confluence of trendsthe retirement of baby boomers, and demographic shifts toward groups with historically low rates of college attendancemakes these investments all the more crucial to the states continued economic success.
Closing the Gap: Meeting California's Need for College Graduates, Summary
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sanctions and Time Limits in California's Welfare Program
Monday, April 6, 2009
In an effort to boost the share of adults on welfare who work, the state has considered proposals to further reduce or eliminate payments to those receiving aid through CalWORKsthe state's welfare program for needy familieswho don't work or seek work. This report examines possible effects of these stricter sanctions. The findings suggest that in general, the state's work participation rate could rise, the welfare caseload could shrink, and the poverty rate among children would not be greatly affected if stricter sanctions were adopted.
Special Elections in California
Friday, April 3, 2009
Poverty in California
Friday, March 27, 2009
Latinos' Views on Population Issues
Friday, March 27, 2009
Special Education in California
Friday, March 27, 2009
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Some findings of the current survey:
- Only one of the six propositions on the May special election ballot has the approval of a majority of likely voters.
- Six in 10 Californians are concerned about having enough money to pay their rent or mortgage.
- Californians are highly supportive (65%) of the $800 billion federal economic stimulus package, but are divided (46% approve, 46% disapprove) about the governments giving money to banks and other financial institutions.
Job Approval Ratings:
Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings:
This survey is supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Some findings of the current survey:
- Only one of the six propositions on the May special election ballot has the approval of a majority of likely voters.
- Six in 10 Californians are concerned about having enough money to pay their rent or mortgage.
- Californians are highly supportive (65%) of the $800 billion federal economic stimulus package, but are divided (46% approve, 46% disapprove) about the governments giving money to banks and other financial institutions.
Job Approval Ratings President Obama Governor Schwarzenegger California Legislature Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings President Obama Governor Schwarzenegger California Legislature
This survey is supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.
Events
Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment
Friday, July 31, 2009
| Date: | July 31, 2009 | |
| Time: | 12:00-1:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | CSAC Conference Center | |
| 1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor | ||
| Sacramento, CA |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This briefing focuses on the July PPIC Statewide Survey, which examines Californians views on climate change, energy, and air pollution. The survey also looks at the role of government in handling environmental issues and approval ratings of elected officials. This is the ninth in the annual Californians and the Environment survey series.
This briefing focuses on the July PPIC Statewide Survey, which examines Californians views on climate change, energy, and air pollution. The survey also looks at the role of government in handling environmental issues and approval ratings of elected officials. This is the ninth in the annual Californians and the Environment survey series.
This study was conducted with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. This event is co-sponsored with the California Research Bureau. Lunch will be provided and there is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested.
SPEAKER
PPIC President, CEO, and Survey Director Mark Baldassare is an expert in public opinion, and on political, social, economic, and environmental public attitudes, and is the author of many books and other publications on these subjects.
School Accountability and Administrator Incentives in California
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
| Date: | July 21, 2009 | |
| Time: | 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | CSAC Conference Center | |
| 1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor | ||
| Sacramento, CA |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Seeking greater accountability for schools, California passed the Public Schools Accountability Act in 1999 and the federal government passed the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2001. This program will examine how these measures have affected the incentives of principals, superintendents, and school board members as well as a number of specific changes that could be made to NCLB.
Seeking greater accountability for schools, California passed the Public Schools Accountability Act in 1999 and the federal government passed the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2001. This program will examine how these measures have affected the incentives of principals, superintendents, and school board members as well as a number of specific changes that could be made to NCLB.
This event is co-sponsored with the California Research Bureau. Lunch will be provided and there is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested.
SPEAKER
Eric Larsen is a research fellow at PPIC whose expertise is in K-12 education, including school resources, student achievement, and education and earnings.
Statewide Survey: Californians and Information Technology
Thursday, June 25, 2009
| Date: | June 25, 2009 | |
| Time: | 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | California State Association of Counties Conference Center | |
| 1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor | ||
| Sacramento, CA |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This briefing of PPIC's Californians and Information Technology survey explores information technology and Internet access in the state, computer ownership, mobile device use, and Internet use by parents to connect to their childrens schools. The survey also looks at Californians perceptions of the role of government in improving the access and availability of broadband technology, among several other related topics. It details results from five major regions, by race and ethnicity, between urban and rural communities, and among socioeconomic and political groups; it is the second in a five-year series of annual PPIC surveys on California information technology issues and is supported by the California Emerging Technology Fund and ZeroDivide.
This briefing of PPIC's Californians and Information Technology survey explores information technology and Internet access in the state, computer ownership, mobile device use, and Internet use by parents to connect to their childrens schools. The survey also looks at Californians perceptions of the role of government in improving the access and availability of broadband technology, among several other related topics. It details results from five major regions, by race and ethnicity, between urban and rural communities, and among socioeconomic and political groups; it is the second in a five-year series of annual PPIC surveys on California information technology issues and is supported by the California Emerging Technology Fund and ZeroDivide.
This event is co-sponsored with the California Research Bureau.
SPEAKER
Dean Bonner is a research associate at PPIC whose expertise includes public opinion and survey research; Latino and African American political attitudes; political trust; and political participation and voting behavior.
Educating California: Preparing Our Future Workforce
Thursday, June 18, 2009
| Date: | June 18, 2009 | |
| Time: | 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | Sacramento Convention Center |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
By 2025, 41 percent of the jobs in California will require a bachelors degree but only 35 percent of California adults will have one. This skills gap poses a serious threat to the states economic future and to the quality of life of its residents. Closing the gap will require serious and sustained effort, even as the state navigates perilous economic and fiscal challenges. Bringing together leaders from education, government, business, and the nonprofit sector, this forum will explore ways to help state residents succeed in Californias increasingly high‐skilled economy.
By 2025, 41 percent of the jobs in California will require a bachelors degree but only 35 percent of California adults will have one. This skills gap poses a serious threat to the states economic future and to the quality of life of its residents. Closing the gap will require serious and sustained effort, even as the state navigates perilous economic and fiscal challenges. Bringing together leaders from education, government, business, and the nonprofit sector, this forum will explore ways to help state residents succeed in Californias increasingly high‐skilled economy.
This event was co-sponsored by PPIC, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the California Research Bureau.
Mark Baldassare, President and CEO, PPIC
Pamela Burdman, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Hans Johnson, Associate Director of Research, PPIC
Moderator: Kathryn Baron, Journalism and Policy Fellow, Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Race and Diversity
Assemblymember Warren Furutani, Chair, Assembly Select Committee on Career Technical Education and Workforce Development
Assemblymember Michael Duvall, Member, Assembly Select Committee on Career Technical Education and Workforce Development
Loren Kaye, President, California Foundation for Commerce and Education
Marshall (Mike) Smith, Senior Counselor, United States Department of Education
Moderator: Mark Baldassare, President and CEO, PPIC
Roberta Achtenberg, Member, Board of Trustees, California State University
Jack Scott, Chancellor, California Community Colleges
Mark Yudof, President, University of California
Event Video (full program)Do California's Enterprise Zones Create Jobs?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
| Date: | June 11, 2009 | |
| Time: | 12:00-1:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | CSAC Conference Center | |
| 1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor | ||
| Sacramento, CA |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Californias enterprise zone program is the states largest economic development program, offering tax credits and other incentives to help spur business and job creation in distressed areas. Does it work? Co-author David Neumark will discuss the reports main findingthat enterprise zones have no overall effect on job growth.
Californias enterprise zone program is the states largest economic development program, offering tax credits and other incentives to help spur business and job creation in distressed areas. Does it work? Co-author David Neumark will discuss the reports main findingthat enterprise zones have no overall effect on job growth.
This event is co-sponsored with the California Research Bureau. Lunch will be provided and there is no charge to attend.
SPEAKER
David Neumark is a senior fellow at PPIC whose expertise includes business dynamics, labor market discrimination, and labor market structure.
How Do We Close California's Education Gap?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
|
Date: |
June 3, 2009 | |
| Time: | 7:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | National Center for the Preservation of Democracy | |
| 111 N. Central Avenue | ||
| Los Angeles, CA |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Forty years ago, Californias higher education system was the envy of the nation, and the state ranked high among other states for its share of young adults who held a bachelors degree. But that proportion has declined sharply in the decades since. As for the future, new research by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that by 2025, the state will fall nearly one million college graduates short of the number it needs to sustain its economy. There are additional pressures on the system as well, including demographic changes caused by baby boomer retirements and an increased number of immigrants in the population.
Forty years ago, Californias higher education system was the envy of the nation, and the state ranked high among other states for its share of young adults who held a bachelors degree. But that proportion has declined sharply in the decades since. As for the future, new research by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that by 2025, the state will fall nearly one million college graduates short of the number it needs to sustain its economy. There are additional pressures on the system as well, including demographic changes caused by baby boomer retirements and an increased number of immigrants in the population.
In this context, California needs to rethink and possibly adapt its long-heralded higher education vision. What prompted Californias fall from higher education excellence, and how can it be reversed? A panel of experts as well as higher education, community, and business leaders will discuss the future of higher learning in California.
This event is co-sponsored with Zcalo Public Square and is free of charge.
CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS
Moderator: Jim Newton, Editorial Pages Editor, Los Angeles Times
Hans Johnson, Associate Director of Research, PPIC
Gary Orfield, Professor, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Co-Director, The Civil Rights Project at UCLA
Michele Siqueiros, Executive Director, Campaign for College Opportunity
Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
Friday, May 8, 2009
| Date: | May 8, 2009 | |
| Time: | 12:00-1:30 p.m. | |
| Location: | Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament | |
| 1017 11th Street, Lower Level | ||
| Sacramento, CA |
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The May PPIC Statewide Survey is the third in the 2009 series of PPIC Statewide Surveys on Californians and Their Government. It focuses on the upcoming May 19 special election and on attitudes toward state and national issues. The survey examines likely voters support for the six measures on the May 19 ballot as well as perceptions of their importance and likely effectiveness. The survey also looks at Californians views of the most important issues facing the state today, the general direction and economic outlook for the state and the nation, and approval ratings for President Obama, Governor Schwarzenegger, the California Legislature, and Congress.
The May PPIC Statewide Survey is the third in the 2009 series of PPIC Statewide Surveys on Californians and Their Government. It focuses on the upcoming May 19 special election and on attitudes toward state and national issues. The survey examines likely voters support for the six measures on the May 19 ballot as well as perceptions of their importance and likely effectiveness. The survey also looks at Californians views of the most important issues facing the state today, the general direction and economic outlook for the state and the nation, and approval ratings for President Obama, Governor Schwarzenegger, the California Legislature, and Congress.
This study was conducted with funding from the James Irvine Foundation. This event is co-sponsored with the California Research Bureau.
SPEAKER
PPIC President, CEO, and Survey Director Mark Baldassare is an expert in public opinion, on political, social, economic, and environmental public attitudes, and is the author of many books and reports on these subjects.
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