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THE GREAT SIBTF CON: How One Bogus Study Set Up a Taxpayer Bailout

January 13, 2026 — An explosive investigation by The Jacobi Journal has exposed the RAND Corporation’s 2024 report on California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) as a financial and political controversy. By overstating the fund’s liability by an estimated $6.75 billion—a 632% error—RAND’s report helped manufacture a fake “crisis” that would have quietly moved […]

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Remote Work and California Tax Nexus Rules Post-COVID 2026

California tax nexus has evolved significantly in the post-COVID environment as remote work reshapes where income is earned and taxed. The widespread shift to distributed workforces has complicated traditional nexus standards, which were historically based on physical presence. Employers and tax authorities are now reassessing how California tax nexus applies when employees perform services from […]

The Economic Function of State Tax Incentives

State tax incentives in California continue to shape economic policy debates as lawmakers attempt to balance competitiveness with fiscal discipline. While targeted credits remain politically attractive, their real-world impact on relocation and expansion decisions is far more constrained than commonly presented. The Economic Function of State Tax Incentives State tax operate as marginal cost adjustments […]

Public Pension Costs vs. Taxpayer Burden: Policy Options for Long-Term Solvency 2026

Public pension costs remain a central fiscal issue in California as rising retirement obligations place increasing pressure on state and local budgets. The two largest systems, CalPERS and CalSTRS, manage retirement benefits for millions of public employees and educators, yet funding challenges continue to influence long-term financial planning. Policymakers and taxpayers alike are evaluating whether […]

California Cap-and-Trade Revenue: Allocation Effectiveness 2026

Cap-and-trade revenue has become a critical funding source for California’s climate initiatives, equity programs, and wildfire mitigation efforts. Proceeds from quarterly auctions are deposited into the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and allocated to projects that reduce emissions while supporting vulnerable communities. Understanding how cap-and-trade revenue is spent helps assess the program’s effectiveness and inform […]

Cryptocurrency Tax 2026: California Guidance for Investors and Businesses

California taxpayers and businesses investing in digital assets are navigating new guidance on cryptocurrency tax in 2026. Early-year clarifications from state and federal authorities provide a framework for reporting crypto gains, losses, and transactions. With digital asset markets continuing to expand, understanding these rules is essential to avoid penalties and ensure proper compliance. California treats […]