The ‘Use It or Lose It’ Label Now Applies to Mental Health Funding
The number one concern for Californians is the homeless crisis. One of the chief concerns expressed by homeless advocates is that many people on the streets need help with mental health issues. Governor Gavin Newsom put in money to help confront the mental health issue in his new budget, yet, at the same time, the […]
Under Proposition 13, Property Tax Revenue Far Outpaces Inflation and Population Growth
In the past year there have been calls for the modification or elimination of Proposition13, which governs how property assessments are determined. As a county assessor, I want to stress that my main concern is getting property assessments right, without regard to revenue. But I also want to share some data concerning Proposition 13 and […]
California energy policies are fueling the housing crisis and homelessness
California’s green crusade direction and actions are increasing the costs of electricity and fuels which guarantees growth of the homeless, poverty, and welfare populations, and further fuels (no pun intended) the housing affordability crisis. It’s scary that our leaders can’t “see” that the regressive energy policies have serious consequences for working families. Their misguided directives […]
Newsom’s 2020-21 Budget – A Big Pie, But Empty Calories
Governor Newsom has unveiled his budget proposal for the fiscal year 2020-21, and it comes in at a whopping $222 billion. That’s up from $209 billion last year, and sharply up from a few years ago. Backing up a decade, the 2010-11 budget totaled $130 billion. What on earth could justify a 70 percent increase […]