Tom Talks: Inside Sacramento

California remains one of the largest economies in the world. But that headline obscures a more concerning reality: the state’s economy is no longer delivering broad-based growth, upward mobility, or stability for its residents.

#caleg #cagov #cabudget

Sheehy Strategy Group

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the modern workplace, policymakers are right to consider guardrails that promote transparency and fairness. However, AB 1898 (Schultz), which seeks to regulate workplace artificial intelligence tools, ultimately misses the mark. While well-intentioned, the bill as currently drafted would impose sweeping and impractical requirements that risk undermining innovation, creating operational gridlock, and exposing employers to significant legal and security risks.

https://www.sheehystrategygroup.com/news/2026/3/19/ab-1898-schultz-well-intentioned-but-unworkable-workplace-ai-proposal

California has long stood as a symbol of , and upward mobility. Yet today, a number of troubling indicators show that the Golden State faces serious structural challenges that demand urgent attention.

https://www.sheehystrategygroup.com/news/2026/3/17/california-at-a-crossroads-facing-hard-truths-to-restore-the-golden-state

California’s State Appropriations Limit (SAL)—commonly known as the Gann limit—is a constitutional cap on how much tax revenue the state government can spend each year. The rule was created by voters through California Proposition 4 (1979), largely championed by anti-tax activist Paul Gann. It was later significantly modified by California Proposition 111 (1990). Together, these measures established a formula that restricts spending growth based on factors such as population and inflation.

More: California’s State Appropriations Limit (Gann Limit) — Sheehy Strategy Group

Newsom’s budget assumes continued stability at the very top of California’s tax base. Reality check: proposals like the SEIU wealth tax are already prompting income, investments, and jobs to leave the state.

Learn more:https://www.sheehystrategygroup.com/news/2026/1/19/tom-sheehy-breaks-down-newsom-budget-with-assemblyman-josh-hoover

#cabudget #cagov #caleg

Since I recorded a Point of Order podcast with Assemblyman Josh Hoover in early January, recent state General Fund revenue updates from the Legislative Analyst’s Office have understandably reignited that discussion. The non-partisan LAO now estimates that near-term General Fund revenues could be roughly $5 billion higher across the current budget window than projected in the governor’s January budget.

And the January budget the Governor submitted to the Legislature had what most fiscal analysts and experts, including me, considered a very rosy revenue forecast. So these current revenue updates showing stronger revenues that the Governir projected just one month ago is meaningful news — and it is also a reminder of how quickly California’s revenue picture can change.

www.sheehystrategygroup.com

Despite Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature declaring, during this year’s May Revision, that the state was suffering from a “Trump Slump” — supposedly causing a significant revenue loss — President Donald Trumphad nothing to do with what state officials themselves have described as a structural deficit, meaning current-lawspending exceeds current-law revenues.

Sheehy Strategy Group Principal Tom Sheehy recently testified before the Assembly Education Committee, warning that proposed election changes would impose costly state mandates and undermine local control.

Learn more: 👉 https://www.sheehystrategygroup.com/news/2025/8/19/sheehy-testifies-on-local-control-before-assembly-education-committee

#SB249 #caleg #cabudget #cagov

SB 249 is an example of the state blatantly stepping all over local control of county elections. California’s local governments should be in charge of how they elect their own county supervisors, city council members, and education board members. The state has no business coming in and trying to micromanage the election rules that govern these local offices. Furthermore, when the state does that, it creates state mandated local programs, which ultimately must be reimbursed by the state general fund. Local control matters, let’s keep the state out of local government election processes and stop the micromanagement.#caleg #cagov #sb249

Is hiring a lobbyist in Sacramento worth it? Tom Sheehy of the Sheehy Strategy Group breaks down what makes lobbying in California so complex — and why experienced advocacy can be the key to advancing your public policy goals. Whether you're pushing legislation, protecting your interests, or navigating political challenges, this video outlines how a seasoned lobbyist can save you time, money and costly mistakes.

Learn about:
– When to hire a lobbyist (and when not to)
– How legislative and administrative strategies intersect
– What qualities matter most in a political advocate
– Real-world insights from California’s Capitol

Ready to explore how advocacy can support your mission?
Contact Sheehy Strategy Group: https://www.sheehystrategygroup.com/contact

#caleg #cagov #cabudget