Profligate
Profligate: adjective; recklessly prodigal or extravagant. Given the experience of the recent recession, one would think that our state political leadership would have learned the dangers of profligate public spending. The most recent economic bust, and the dot com bust which preceded it, should have served as a stark reminder about the consequences of growing […]
‘D-Day’ Is Also ‘The’ Day for Many Californians
On June 6th, many across the globe will be remembering the sacrifices made by thousands of American, British and Canadian young men who hit the beaches at Normandy to free Europe from Nazi tyranny. Californians will also be celebrating this date because it marks the 36th birthday of the landmark tax limiting measure, Proposition 13. […]
There Is No Loophole in Prop. 13
Last week, the media was all abuzz about a bill moving through the Legislature that would fix a “loophole” in Proposition 13. If this were a courtroom, I would rise to my feet and object saying, “Your Honor, assumes a fact not in evidence!” This objection would be sustained immediately because there is no “loophole” […]
The Effort Begins to Make Temporary Prop 30 Taxes Permanent
Once again it is time for taxpayers to get a good grip on their wallets because Sacramento politicians are looking to extend the “temporary” taxes imposed by Proposition 30, approved by voters less than two years ago. There is nothing more permanent than a temporary tax. They are as immortal as a vampire and nearly […]
Why Not Sustainability in a Spending Limit?
Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown delivered the keynote address at a sustainability summit hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council. While the summit focused on California’s environmental, energy and water policy, we have to wonder whether the governor will exert the same effort in support of fiscal sustainability now that he has called a special […]
Gone to Texas
Texas Governor Rick Perry is returning to California, and to left-leaning politicians in Sacramento he is about as welcome as Godzilla in Tokyo. The cause of this consternation is Perry’s pro-business record which exposes all the weaknesses of the California approach to governing. While Texas focuses on job creation, California lawmakers give their highest priority […]
Prop 13 Saved By Lawmakers’ Misconduct?
Because of the conviction of one member of the state Senate, and the indictment of a second, Proposition 13 — and taxpayers who rely on its protections — may have slipped the noose being prepared for it by majority Democrats in the Legislature. Senator Rod Wright, a Los Angeles Democrat, has taken a leave of […]
In With the ‘In’ Crowd
It’s good to be in with the “in” crowd, especially when the “in” crowd is made up of Sacramento politicians capable of doling out millions of dollars in tax credits. Those currently in with the “in” crowd include any industry or company that can somehow attach “green” to their credentials. This helps explain why the […]
Californians Still Believe in Proposition 13 Taxpayer Protections
A statewide survey commissioned by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association shows Californians continues to support Proposition 13 and the two-thirds vote requirement to boost taxes on property owners. Nearly 60 percent of voters agree that reducing the two-thirds vote to 55% to pass local bonds would place an unfair burden on owners of property. Tone-deaf […]
Stop Sign of the Times
Many Californians may not have noticed, but their wallets just avoided getting hit by a speeding car tax. Last month, the Attorney General cleared a measure entitled the “California Road Repairs Act of 2014” to begin collecting signatures for placement on the November ballot. Backed by well-heeled transportation interests — including contractors, construction unions and […]