The Real Reason 65% of California Kids Can’t Read at Grade Level | Lance Christensen
The Real Reason 65% of California Kids Can’t Read at Grade Level | Lance Christensen  
Podcast: State of Gold
Published On: Tue Dec 16 2025
Description: 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 SummaryIs 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.Chapters00:00 – Why Education Affects Everyone01:29 – California's Failing K-12 System02:15 – The Federal Tax Credit No One’s Using03:41 – The Power of Teachers Unions & Janus Decision05:25 – The Impact of DEI in Schools07:45 – The Economic Fallout of Policy Failures09:15 – Why California Sends Jobs to Other States10:37 – What’s Driving Sky-High Energy Prices12:42 – We Need an “All of the Above” Energy Plan13:37 – Wildfires Are Undermining Climate Goals15:24 – First Moves as Governor: Expand the Legislature?17:06 – California Leader Lance Most Admires17:50 – Why California Is Still Worth Fighting ForConnect with Lance ChristiansenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancechristensenX: https://x.com/Lance4CASuperWebsite:lancechristensen.com/ Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com