Supreme Court defends local initiatives, but may threaten taxpayer protections
A California Supreme Court decision makes it easier to raise some local taxes. But how much easier remains to be seen. For two decades, local tax increases have usually been governed by Proposition 218, whether proposed by a local government agency or by citizen initiative. Passed by voters in 1996, Proposition 218 requires voter approval of all […]
SB 2’s Tax Hurdle
Senator Toni Atkins’ Senate Bill 2 is focused on one of the gnawing problems eating away at California’s people and economy—affordable housing. Yet, the bill is struggling to gain the necessary two-thirds vote. The author has made amendments to bring colleagues aboard. But, the larger issue SB 2 must overcome is that it is a tax […]
What Kind of Party Chastises Chad Mayes While Advancing Travis Allen?
If you want to know why California has turned its back on the Republican Party, consider how the California GOP is treating Chad Mayes and Travis Allen. Let’s start with Mayes is the Assembly’s Republican leader. He just came off a big deal to renew the state’s cap-and-trade program. Mayes turned limit leverage to get […]
Legislature Wants to Tax Drinking Water for First Time in History
The California Legislature is moving for the first time in history to tax every residence and business about a dollar month for drinking water to generate $2 billion over the next 15 years to supposedly clean up contaminated ground water. Although Senate Bill 623 is titled: “Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund,” a coalition of agricultural […]