Facing crippling deficits that have threatened California's vaunted quality of life, the discovery of more than $286 million in state accounts will come as a welcome relief. A sweeping state audit, however, raises more questions than it answers.
It turns out the shocking discovery of $54 million hidden untapped in two of the California Department of Parks and Recreation's funds, as mass park closures loomed, was just the tip of the iceberg. more than $286.5 million that "lawmakers were unaware of as they repeatedly cut government services."
"The new discovery includes about $30 million for healthcare programs,
almost $29 million for reimbursing crime victims and $12.5 million for
cleaning up underground petroleum tanks. It follows revelations that
nearly $113 million was languishing in a recycling program funded with
consumers' bottle deposits and $54 million had gone unreported by state
parks officials.
The irregularities are a particular distraction for [Gov.] Brown as he pushes
voters to pass billions of dollars in tax increases on the November
ballot. Recent opinion polls have suggested many voters want some sign
that California's fiscal house is being put in order before they will
give more money to Sacramento."
FULL STORY: California finds $119 million more in untapped funds

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

Six Reasons Why Housing Is a Human Right
Is housing a human right? A law professor shares six reasons why it should be, from its role in protecting other rights to global recognition and U.S. legal traditions. As public support grows, could housing be the next right written into law?
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