This just in from longtime FR friend, State Senator Joel Anderson…
Senator Joel Anderson (R – El Cajon) confirmed that a bipartisan compromise was reached today to solve the state’s budget problem without having to wait for passage of the Governor’s proposed ballot tax increase vote.
“Sometimes these solutions are so obvious that you wonder how the Governor and legislative leaders can overlook them? I represent everyone from all walks of life in my district, and today we rolled out a solution for that very small minority of my constituents who requested an opportunity to vote for more taxes on the ballot.
“After reaching across partisan lines to the State Treasurer’s office and the Governor’s Department of Finance, I am pleased to announce that California has a system in place to allow people to demonstrate their budget priorities by voting with their pocketbooks.
This voting process, which includes monetary gifts to the state, is governed by the California Government Code 16302 and is really quite easy to follow. One only needs to send a personal check, cashier’s check or money order to:
Ana Matosantos, Director of the California Department of Finance
State Capitol, Room 1145, Sacramento, CA 95814
Monetary gifts can be designated for a specific state agency or program simply by including a note to that effect with the gift. Monetary gifts without such a designation will automatically go to the State School Fund.
“I encourage everyone in California to follow their hearts and vote their priorities with their pocketbooks. This common sense approach is a win-win for all my constituents and the state saves the costs of an election.
“Like the overwhelming majority of my constituents, I oppose raising taxes. The Governor must first prove he is a good steward of taxpayers’ money by addressing mismanagement, waste and abuse in government, for example at Caltrans.”
Anderson’s office is distributing this helpful information about monetary gifts as requested. He is also encouraging the Governor’s office to help disseminate this valuable information to other interested parties, such as public employees, union bosses and elected officials.