More taxes for Californians

[jackellis]

Its hard for a Missouri boy like me to take all the crap that gets put on the ballots here and people vote for. We have so many bond issues that pass and these folks don't realize that it costs tax dollars to pay the interest on those bonds. Raise taxes, they all scream no, no, no. Call it a bond issue to save the kangaroo rat and it passes with ease. Its insane. Hope your situation improves but I doubt it.

I'm trying to stay clear of forbidden politics here. If I've crossed the line, mea culpa and ouch!

On election day, my nickname becomes Dr. No. It's not just bond issues, though. It's budget carve-outs for schools and requirements to keep criminals locked up. For better or worse, Calfornia voters apparently insist on champagne government but we're only willing to pay for beer. Leaving budget matters in the hands of politicians is not optimal, but California's experience suggests that putting that power in the hands of voters seems to be the less desirable alternative.

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, there are few states where one can hide, and even overseas there are no Shangri-las.

[TB Roye]

California will be over 8% and in some counties closer to if not over 10% that and a hike in the gas tax by .13 a gallon beside raising the vehicle lic fee and a surcharge on our state income tax and no real cuts we are going to be hurting. Then they will have the nerve to tell us what a great deal we got. shut up Tom. Back to the shop Tom, go make something useful.

Tom

[JR]

This thread seems to support a pet theory of mine - they're going to get you one way or another! In CA we have very low property taxes in comparison to other states, but our income tax is very high. It's relatively good for fixed-income people, but relatively bad for high earners.

Oh, and our initiative system. It sounds great - let the people speak! In practice, though, big political intersests sponsor the initiatives. It's now common to vote on two initiatives that sound similar (Prop XXX - Save the Whales), but each one means the opposite of the other. It's a joke.

JR

[ragswl4]

I'm trying to stay clear of forbidden politics here. If I've crossed the line, mea culpa and ouch!

On election day, my nickname becomes Dr. No. It's not just bond issues, though. It's budget carve-outs for schools and requirements to keep criminals locked up. For better or worse, Calfornia voters apparently insist on champagne government but we're only willing to pay for beer. Leaving budget matters in the hands of politicians is not optimal, but California's experience suggests that putting that power in the hands of voters seems to be the less desirable alternative.

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, there are few states where one can hide, and even overseas there are no Shangri-las.

We are kindred spirits. If it says "taxes" or "bond" I check the "nada/nunka" box. Our problem is that folks don't remember all the bond issues they passed last year so when the new crop comes in they vote for them as well. Voters short term memory is non existent.

[TB Roye]

The problem with the initiative system is California is most of them are started by special interest groups that are part of the different politicans supporters. California has to very good welfare systems. 1 for the poor and the best one for the legislature. 130K+ in salary a free car of their choice, gas, insurance, maintance, and $170 aday per diem, tax free 7 day a week, and they don't have to pay to fly home on the weekends. The are aslo perks we never hear of. The government in California is broke and no one know how to fix it. Shut up Tom back to the shop. They are supposed to vote on the new budget fix Saturday, bet it blows up in their face.

Tom

[ragswl4]

They are supposed to vote on the new budget fix Saturday, bet it blows up in their face.

Tom

One can only hope! Almost makes me yearn for Gray Davis, well not really!

[TB Roye]

Hey just read in the paper the WE get to vote on the higher taxes, supposedly short term and a spending cap. The bad thing is special intrest groups will try to defeat it, and the legislature will find away around it they alway do. Means my car restration will go from $225 on my truck to roughly $450 and the LOML's Espedition will go up about the same. Maybe while I am down at the Capitol watching the Prologue for the Tour of California bike race I will picket the Capitol instead of ranting here.

Tom

[jackellis]

The problem with the initiative system is California is most of them are started by special interest groups that are part of the different politicans supporters.

I work in the energy business so the initiative on last November's ballot that would have required 50% renewable energy by 2020 was of particular interest. It was sponsored by the Sperling family, owners of the University of Phoenix, and residents of Arizona! The only possible reason they would back such a crazy idea is that they own large tracts of land that are good for nothing but solar power plants and they stood to make a fortune if the initiative passed.

By the way, I'm all for renewable energy but it is very expensive and we still need traditional powerplants for periods when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow.

[ragswl4]

Looks like it has "blown up", so far. One vote short.

[TB Roye]

6:57pm The GOP Senator from my district is the hold out. The local paper is asking people to call his office and tell him to vote for the Budget package. I called and told him to hang in there, more cuts and lower taxes. The Speaker of the Assembly and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate have locked every one in the Capitol. The are a few others that might not vote for it either. If they don't voter for it they will lose their offices in the capitol and be banished to a building accross the street. They will also loose some of their commitee assignments and other perks.