(CALMATTERS) – In the latest survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, most California adults (55%) said that the state is headed in the wrong direction and that they can trust the state government to do the right thing “only some of the time.” A solid majority also expect “bad financial times” for the country within the next year.
These worries aren’t going unnoticed by the Legislature, in particular former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon of Lakewood. His pet project leading a select committee on happiness recently issued its final report.
- Rendon, in the report: “In our 175-year history as a state, the California State Assembly has not considered how California can improve the happiness of its people. Happiness is seen as a byproduct of the work we do to build housing, improve education, and boost wages, among other things. … But is that all that leads to happiness?”
The committee, which met three times since March, concluded that unhappiness is growing across the state.
Other key findings:
- Seven of the top 10 happiest counties are on the coast, and have higher-than-average median income levels. Meanwhile, 9 of the 10 unhappiest counties are inland;
- People living in poverty are three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression than wealthier people;
- Strong social connections with family, friends and community are vital to overall happiness.
The committee also had some suggestions for legislators:
- They should consider happiness when developing policies, and should “openly discuss and question a bill’s potential” on happiness;
- They should think creatively when developing happiness-related policies and collaborate across different agencies;
- They should prioritize efforts to boost trust between the public and the state government.
One measure that was brought up during the committee’s hearings would require school districts to develop more intentional homework policies that considered students’ mental and physical well being. The bill, by Democratic Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo of Santa Clarita Valley, awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision.
How could the Legislature and governor make me happy? For starters, no sessions that drag into the evening, and no bill actions at night or the weekend. But one can only dream.