In Light of Election Results is Tax Reform Possible?
Reforming California’s tax system would be an important step to lessen Californian’s tax burden and revitalize the economy while bringing in adequate revenue, but Tuesday’s election results could stand as a roadblock to reform. With the success of both Proposition 30 and Proposition 39, new tax revenue is coming into the General Fund. There may […]
Unions Rule – Business Falters
The public employee unions showed great muscle in yesterday’s election kicking away Proposition 32’s political contribution reform, helping Governor Brown win the Proposition 30 tax increase, and perhaps, helping Democrats gain two-thirds majorities in both houses of the legislature. Meanwhile, the business community failed to engage for the most part in countering the unions’ effort […]
Election Day Wrap-up
To the relief of all Californians, Election Day has finally arrived! No more television commercials and a mailbox full of mailers. The key item to watch for is turnout – who comes out to vote? Will the turnout exceed 73-74 percent or be lower. I believe the 73-74 percent plateau is a key marker in […]
LA Tax Proposals and Prop 30
The Los Angeles City Council voted to move ahead on four potential tax measures for the March citywide ballot – but the timing of the move could complicate those pushing tax increases on the state ballot. Even though the city election is months away, some voters just might connect the dots and decide they are […]
Reversing the Trigger Cuts
With the election only days away and the Proposition 30 tax initiative too close to call, Republican legislators sent a letter to educators saying they want to reverse the trigger cuts aimed at education if Prop 30 loses. Some Democratic legislators have hinted that they, too, would work to reverse the trigger cuts. Governor Jerry […]
Down to the Wire
The final California Business Roundtable/Pepperdine University School of Public Policy poll was released yesterday indicating that there could be some late counts determining the outcome of a few ballot measures. Like the presidential race, which polls indicate is too close to call, a few ballot measures fit the same category. All the proposition measures will […]
Tax Reform and the No Tax Pledge
Since the left is already angry at me for pushing opposition to the Prop 30 tax increase and support for the Prop 32 political reform, I guess its time to get the right angry by writing a few words in defense of Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen’s decision to refuse to sign the No Tax pledge. My […]
George McGovern’s Wisdom on Lawmaking and Business
Former United States Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential nominee, George McGovern, passed away at age 90 last weekend. The World War II veteran was known for his honesty, passion and liberal politics. But Senator McGovern also attempted the role of businessman after his political days ended. In that role, he came to a different view […]
Responding to George
Supposedly, Mark Twain warned, “Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel.” Well, perhaps its time to challenge that idea in the digital age especially when you have your own blog. I take issue with George Skelton’s piece in today’s Los Angeles Times. George implies that our PAC should not have […]
Prop 30 and the Gas Tax Increase Argument
Governor Brown is objecting to a new ad that the Proposition 30 tax increase would apply to gasoline. The governor says that because sales tax doesn’t apply to gasoline, the tax on gas will not increase. The No on Prop 30 campaign, of which I am a part, doesn’t read the law that way. Tom […]