CalMatters’ Digital Democracy makes a difference in the Legislature

CalMatters’ Digital Democracy initiative is already making an impact shortly after its debut.

The AI-powered, searchable database brings journalists, civic leaders and all Californians a powerful new way to peel back the layers of government. Digital Democracy includes every word uttered in public hearings, every dollar given to a politician, every bill introduced, every vote taken and more.

The database enables unprecedented insights, such as a review of more than 1 million votes cast by current legislators over the past five years. Our reporters found that Democrats vote “no” less than 1% of the time, prompting complaints that the process appears to be a rubber stamp. Instead of voting “no,” legislators often kill bills by simply not voting. Critics say that’s how legislators dodge responsibility for tough decisions.

CalMatters teamed up with CBS-TV to show how advocates for fentanyl legislation were upset to learn from Digital Democracy that their bills died when legislators declined to vote. “I personally am insulted,” said the mother of a young person who died from a fentanyl overdose. “That is what they signed up for, to represent us.”

Both stories prompted legislators to call for change.

And more early reactions to Digital Democracy:

More than half of state lawmakers have been featured in CalMatters’ reporting, thanks to the artificial intelligence built into Digital Democracy that scans government data and spotlights story ideas for reporters.

“CalMatters is awesome” and “I think (Digital Democracy) is phenomenal,” said Sen. Scott Wilk at a CalMatters event. “I do a program up here when people come up for the lobby days about how to advocate, and I always talk about what a resource you guys are. And I do the same thing back home.”

Former Asm. Catharine Baker complimented the tool on X. “If you like transparency in government, you’ll like this. I’ve already used the Digital Democracy tool 3 times in 2 days to find a needle in a haystack. Great tool. Thank you, @CalMatters.”

Capital Weekly spoke with David Lesher, the senior editor overseeing Digital Democracy program, in an audio interview.

On a lighthearted note, legislators have chided each other about competing to be the most “talkative” legislator, as revealed by the Digital Democracy data. 

• Assemblymember Joe Patterson on April 24: “I’m trying to work my way up CalMatters’ list of most talkative members. So I got a lot to say today. I wasn’t even the top 10. You know, I do think there’s something to information overload …“
• Assemblymember Anthony Rendon: “I was the least talkative Democrat on that list, so I’ll simply say thanks.”
• Assemblymember Chris Ward: “It turns out I was the most talkative Democrat on that list in the Assembly. It was a good reason because I had to preside over session for a whole year. So every word added up. Any other member comment or questions on this item? I would entertain a motion.”
• Senator Caroline Menjivar on May 16: “CalMatters has a Digital Democracy website, and it ranks the most talkative legislators. And right now I’m number two. So I think I’m going to replace Senator Laird after this Subcommittee as number one.”

Digital Democracy is providing more coverage and accountability in California’s state government.

“Digital Democracy doesn’t do journalism, but it is an immensely powerful tool for journalists to follow, reveal and examine elected leaders and government actions,” says CalMatters’ Digital Democracy reporter Ryan Sabalow. Here are some of the stories it has made possible: 

• How the Legislature’s top expert on tech is taking on the industry.
• Inside the multimillion-dollar battle for gambling rights in California.
• An exploration of how Big Oil wins in California.
• A story on how the California Senate preserves big corporate tax breaks that benefit some cities.
• Tighter budgets causing police to seek less time in court.
• A look at how Gov. Newsom sided with parents’ rights groups to defend youth tackle football.
• How Californians want to continue using Zoom for court appearances.
• Behind a bill that would let therapists and social workers decide when to confine mentally ill Californians.
• How psychedelic drug therapy became a rare bipartisan issue in California. 
• A look at how a shoplifting bill got through California’s liberal Assembly with most Democrats opposed.
• Behind California’s solar panel requirement: Should, wildfire victims should get a break?
• A student sent a swastika to a Jewish lawmaker’s daughter. The response led to his new bill.
• A story on how Pacific Coast Highway could get speed cameras following student deaths.
• An examination on whether California police are missing domestic violence murders and a new bill would let families review cases.
• A bid to regulate hedge funds that is dividing California medical groups.
• A new bill could allow more Joshua trees to be cut down for development.
• A look at how Vietnamese lawmakers struck back when L.A. County declared Jane Fonda Day.
• How physician lawmakers voted on whether doctors should report domestic abuse to police.
• A story on whether California could require age verification to visit porn sites.