State of Gold The Real Reason 65% of California Kids Can’t Read at Grade Level | Lance Christensen
Guest:
Lance Christensen, Vice President of the California Policy Center
Guest Bio:
Lance Christensen is a policy expert and former candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. He currently serves with the California Policy Center, advocating for education reform, school choice, and smarter government. With a bold voice on California’s economic and energy challenges, Lance is a leading thinker on how to restore prosperity and common sense across the state.
Show Summary
Is California’s K-12 system beyond repair — or just in need of bold reform? In this energetic conversation, Lance Christensen joins Jon to unpack the deep-rooted challenges in public education, from low literacy rates to union influence, and why many teachers still don’t know about their right to opt out of unions. They also dive into California’s failing energy policy, sky-high living costs, and the long-term economic damage of misguided climate mandates.
Lance shares what he’d do on day one if he were Governor, and why real change requires more local accountability, not just new policies. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or frustrated Californian — this one’s for you.
Chapters
00:00 – Why Education Affects Everyone
01:29 – California's Failing K-12 System
02:15 – The Federal Tax Credit No One’s Using
03:41 – The Power of Teachers Unions & Janus Decision
05:25 – The Impact of DEI in Schools
07:45 – The Economic Fallout of Policy Failures
09:15 – Why California Sends Jobs to Other States
10:37 – What’s Driving Sky-High Energy Prices
12:42 – We Need an “All of the Above” Energy Plan
13:37 – Wildfires Are Undermining Climate Goals
15:24 – First Moves as Governor: Expand the Legislature?
17:06 – California Leader Lance Most Admires
17:50 – Why California Is Still Worth Fighting For
Connect with Lance Christiansen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancechristensen
- X: https://x.com/Lance4CASuper
- Website:lancechristensen.com/
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