From what I have been told, today the State Legislature will take up a Democrat-only drafted budget "fix" that includes BILLIONS in tax increases, and they will do so using trickery that will require only a majority vote for passage. As I mentioned in an earlier post, there is a current court ruling that says that the State Constitution’s requirement for a 2/3 vote for a tax increase does not apply to what bureaucrats call a fee.

You and I as lay persons would think of a fee as like what you pay to go into a state park. Okay, fine, so increasing a fee for services received by someone going into a park takes a majority vote? Right. But this idea of differentiating a "fee" from a "tax" has been taking to extreme and massive levels by Sacramento liberals. For example, what you and I call the car tax — that you pay annually when you register your car — they would call a fee. They would argue that the funds from your "car fee" go to provide services with a nexus to your driving (roads, etc). And they then make the case that this fee requires only a majority, not a 2/3 vote.

Apparently the… Read More

In response to Jennifer Nelson’s post below, the Governor’s office has responded. Below is a brief commentary from David Crane, Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger on Jobs and the Economy…

FR readers HAVE to check out the details on how Democrats plan on raising income taxes, the car tax, gas taxes and more — without a 2/3 vote.

This is sick.

I’ve been intently looking for a statement from our Republican Governor announcing that such an end-run against the spirit of the 2/3 vote for new taxes would be DOA. Still waiting..… Read More

Last week, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass threatened that shemay very well "lock down" the California State Assembly next week, for the Christmas Holiday. In legislative parlance, a lock down is when the members of the Assembly are literally forced to stay in the Legislative Chamber and not allowed to leave. I know, it sounds very immature, but it is true. I guess Bass’ theory is that Republican resolve to not punish California taxpayers in response to the chronic overspending of the Speaker’s party is so fragile that the threat of missing church for Christmas mass, or missing a chance to sip eggnog, or not being able to watch their kids open presents under the family tree will cause some GOPers to suddenly embrace billions of dollars in devastating tax increase.

Below is a marquis that one of our loyal readers put together that really captures the essence of Speaker Bass and this very stupid idea.

You’re a mean one, Speaker Bass!!

Care to read comments, or make your own about today’s… Read More

Last week, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass threatened that shemay very well "lock down" the California State Assembly next week, for the Christmas Holiday. In legislative parlance, a lock down is when the members of the Assembly are literally forced to stay in the Legislative Chamber and not allowed to leave. I know, it sounds very immature, but it is true. I guess Bass’ theory is that Republican resolve to not punish California taxpayers in response to the chronic overspending of the Speaker’s party is so fragile that the threat of missing church for Christmas mass, or missing a chance to sip eggnog, or not being able to watch their kids open presents under the family tree will cause some GOPers to suddenly embrace billions of dollars in devastating tax increase.

Below is a marquis that one of our loyal readers put together that really captures the essence of Speaker Bass and this very stupid idea.

You’re a mean one, Speaker Bass!!

… Read More

This afternoon the liberal Democrats who have overspent California's budget into the deficit-mired creature that we have before us today are queuing up their latest attempt to stick-in to taxpayers. Speaker Karen Bass is telling all that this afternoon the lower chamber will have a vote on BILLIONS of dollars in higher taxes — and to that, Republicans should and must send a resounding message –NO WAY.

It doesn't take much of a look in the rear view mirror to know that as of today, we have had NO real cuts in state spending. In fact, the budget adopted after much agony a few months ago still managed to INCREASE (not decrease) state spending by a half a percent. Yes, all of the screaming by liberals and posturing by the unions was all over a “decrease in the increase” that they wanted.

Today's votes are critical in demonstrating that Republican resolve is strong — that without a permanent spending cap tied to growth in population and inflation, passed by the voters — tax increases are not even on the table for a discussion. Frankly, even then, they are a stupid idea in a bad economy.

I have… Read More

After his election I asked Glen Forch for his background and vision for Los Angeles County. I’ve know Glen along time and supported his bid for BOE. Yes, there was a GOP Primary. I know most people don’t know him. I will be discussing the challenges for the Los Angeles County GOP at a latter time.This is what he sent:

Glen Forsch Biography/Republican

Member: Ex-Officio 43rd A.D. Central Committee Ex-Officio L.A. County Central Committee Ex-Officio California State Party (Delegate) Beach Cities Republican Club Buck and Ballot Brigade Republican Women’s Federated Speakers Bureau

Political Activity: Ran for School Board in Burbank Three Times Ran for State Board of Equalization, District #4 two times as party nominee GOTV for 43rd A.D. in 2002, 2004, and Arnold’s special election in 2005 GOTV 2008 for Buck and Ballot Brigade in the 43rd A.D. Volunteer for the Charles Hahn for U.S. Congress campaign Volunteer for the Gary Bric for Burbank City Council campaign

Vision for L.A. County:

We have to have a presence in all areas of… Read More

Corruption: As the Senate continues to debate the fate of the Auto rescue plan, much of the news when I was in Washington this week centered on the corruption allegations concerning Illinois Governor Blagojevich. Those allegations are pretty astounding, and disgusting. Combine them with the news of Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA), former Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY), former Congressman Duke Cunningham (R-CA), and former Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH); one can get pretty cynical. And that’s just some of the recent convictions or indictments. There are others and a whole bunch more under investigation. What’s going on? Is everybody on the take somehow? No they’re not. But as the saying goes, evil triumphs when good men do nothing. And we have done lots of nothing lately. But the depth and severity of this scandal, along with what appears to be a lack of remorse on the part of those involved, just might change that. I applaud President-elect Obama and some other prominent Democrats in Illinois for calling for the resignation of Governor Blagojevich. I also applaud those in the Illinois State legislature… Read More