An edited version of this commentary appears today in Capitol Weekly Newspaper, and can be accessed here.
THE “BEST WE COULD GET” WAS THE LARGEST TAX INCREASE IN THE HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA?
Last week, six Republican legislators joined with all of the Democrats in the State Capitol to vote for the single largest state-level tax increase in the history of our nation. I could spend a few paragraphs outlining for you why, on a policy level, this is exactly the opposite of what Californians need right now from their state government. But I wanted to spend a little more time on the political ramifications of that decision, at least as it impacted the delegates at the California Republican Party’s Organizational Convention which, ironically, took place last weekend, in the wake of the adoption of what I now call the “Big 5/Big Taxes/Open Primary” budget deal.
**There is more – click the link**
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Yes, it was an interesting Republican Convention. I was glad I was able to attend, even saw Abel there, still in one piece. Bob Mulholland
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Republicans have become irrelavent with the voting for taxes and for approving psuedo cost budget shifts and initiative laden budget that will still face at least 10 billion in additional funding once some of the initatives fail and tax collections are reported as miserablly low….the recession you know!!!!
Running Whitman, Campbell and Poizner in the primaries affords one the choice between RINO wantabees playing governor…SOUND FAMILAR….the next ground hog days.
Lets face it….republicans are so far in the tank, for they are terrible at ground roots work fearing getting their hands dirty in the hood,the barios or in blue collar trailer parks where they might soil their cocktail knapkins or lobster bibs.
There are so so so many poor and undereducated people in this state…they need help to reach middle class in RED UTOPIA. The Democrats are doing a fantastic job reaching these unfortunates….When a Republican talks about tax cuts….the poor shrug shoulders, they do not pay taxes…when a Republican talks about self reliance….the poor put out their hand to Democrats….when a Republican goes back on his word….the poor’s eyes widen, you cannot trust the rich!!!!
So do not waste your money…Medfly Jerry Brown is your next governor; he will moonbeam your problems away….
Yawn….when is tee off time!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
OH MY G-D! $1,500 A YEAR INCREASE IN TAXES TO SAVE THIS STATE FROM BANKRUPTCY! WHY, THAT’S… THAT’S… $4.10 A DAY. OH MY G-D!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Check your math, Jon–unfortunately with our depleted numbers in the legislature, three Republicans in each house means the budget did gain more than 10% of our members.
3 of 29 in the Assembly and 3 of 15 in the Senate is more than 10%!
But I agree with the underlying point…
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Mr. Evans,
I’d rather have the morning bagel and coffee wih the $4.10.
That would also help the economy far more.
February 27th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Mr. Rego,
You can get a morning bagel and coffee for $4.10? Where?
BTW, where did Jon get that $1,500 number from?
February 27th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Mr. Evans,
After the sales tax increase, or before?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:00 am
Bob,
“Only” $4.10 per day, on top of the already highest income tax and the already highest sales tax. But of course nothing is too much for our precious state employee union members.