Proposition 1A: Too High a Price—and Voters Shouldn’t Buy @ GeorgeRunner.com

Proposition 1A: Too High a Price—and Voters Shouldn’t Buy

Posted on March 11th, 2009 George Runner 31 comments

California has become like that ne’er do well cousin who is always hitting up generous relatives for more money, while never changing their irresponsible ways. Proposition 1A, scheduled for the May election, is merely the latest example of Sacramento politicians returning to taxpayers for $16 billion in higher taxes, during a time of record high 10% unemployment, plummeting retirement account funds, record high foreclosures, and overall economic jitters, for more money to feed wasteful programs.

What’s most outrageous about the situation is that the authors of the ballot argument in favor of Prop 1A are attempting to hoodwink voters into extending the largest tax increases in state history under the guise of budget “reform.” Rather than being honest with Californians, the official ballot summary will omit $16 billion in higher taxes and only mention the spending cap portion of this measure.

Don’t get me wrong—I am supportive of a spending cap, and believe it is good policy to reign in spending. But under the current deal, which includes a two year extension of the tax increases, the price for this cap is too high.

I understand why Sacramento spendthrifts are afraid to reveal the truth to voters—these taxes would affect every Californian in very real ways. Sometimes the truth is painful.

Prop 1A would increase statewide sales taxes from 7.25% to 8.25%, almost a 14% increase. In Los Angeles County, this would raise the sales taxes to a staggering ten cents for every dollar they spend. This is certainly not the proper incentive to jump start consumer spending during an ailing economy.

Income taxes will increase by a quarter of a percent while child tax credits will decrease from $400 dollars to $100 dollars, essentially a $300 per child tax increase. These taxes will hit families the hardest, making it even more difficult to raise a family in California.

Finally, Prop 1A would nearly double the much despised Car Tax, or vehicle license fee. The average family would pay an additional $130, or about a week and a half of groceries. Ironically, the Governor signed a budget raising the Car Tax that he first campaigned to repeal.

The best spending cap would have been Republican legislators refusing to vote for tax increases and using their 2/3 vote to restrain spending. Any meaningful spending limit on the ballot will always get defeated by the special interests or will come at too high a price—like Prop 1A.

The taxes to sustain this spending will take $16 billion out of the economy—which means fewer consumer purchases, less investment, and no job creation. While California government takes more of your money, the hardships of the average citizen will be prolonged as the economic growth and expansion will be stunted by taxes. This is the most consequential tax policy change in decades, and Democrats and their Republican accomplices want to make sure you do not know about it.

George Runner is a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee. He supports legislation and policies that protect taxpayers and hold government accountable. He represents California’s 17th Senate District, which includes the High Desert of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties and sections of Ventura County. Visit his website at: http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/17

Taxifornia
31 responses to “Proposition 1A: Too High a Price—and Voters Shouldn’t Buy”
1. Joe Stark April 9th, 2009 at 13:54
  
  Thank you for being among the few Republicans to break ranks and speak out about this monstrosity. As I understand it, the State Republican Party is officially endorsing these bogus propositions and are spending millions to pass them leaving the “silent majority” once again without an effective voice.
2. Matt Jackson April 9th, 2009 at 14:14
  
  You’re absolutely on target. Everyone in the private sector (and even the public sector at the local and county levels) has cut back on spending, salaries, staff (through layoffs and hiring freezes) and services, but the State has increased spending — not even freezing the planned budget increases in some programs (especially salaries of State employees.) This is ridiculous. Taxpaying citizens are leaving the state in droves; businesses refuse to locate here (California is about the second worst business-rated state now); and California’s bond rating is now the lowest in the country. This is a formula for disaster as this onerous situation ensures an ever-decreasing taxpayer base for California and turns those few remaining taxpayers in to angry residents who find new and creative ways to avoid taxes.
3. Ken Borroum April 9th, 2009 at 15:07
  
  Curious if we can obtain examples of the wasteful programs we’re being asked to finance? Also, what can average citizens do to promote the elimination of such programs.
  
  kb
4. steven loredr sr April 9th, 2009 at 16:06
  
  I sincerely believe that we are already grossly over taxed we do not need any new taxes. What we need in this state is more industry and for less spending and boondoggles from our legislators. And something has to be done about this illegal immigrant problem!! Round them up and start enforcing our immigration laws.
5. Paula Beshara April 9th, 2009 at 18:35
  
  No offense, but where have you been? The sales tax for where I live, Palmdale, has been 8 1/4 for quite a few years now. By the time those idiots in Sacramento get finished with us, we will be paying over 10% in sales taxes!
  I also work for the school district, and I think what they are doing to the children’s budget is appauling. The cap should be in their raises that they gave themselves for not doing their jobs properly. If I didn’t do my job, I would be out looking for another one, but they get away with it. Then they treat themselves to new cars at our expense. I’m fed up with lawmakers here. But what can a law abiding citizen do. Nothing.
6. Gary Wilson April 10th, 2009 at 19:17
  
  Excellent update on the facts about the proposed “budget reform!”
  
  This is the first time I have received info from you but am looking forward to future emails to keep better informed on the actual facts dealing with our economy.
  
  Regards,
  Gary Wilson
7. SUSAN BOUDREAUX April 12th, 2009 at 07:51
  
  THANK YOU FOR THE HEADS UP ON PROP A1
  THE FLYER I RECEIVED IS FOR PROP A1
  PLEASE COVER THE OTHER PROPS
  NO ON PROP B1
  NO ON PROP 1C
  NO ON PROP 1D
  NO ON PROP 1E
  
  YES ON PROP 1F
  
  PLEASE COVER THESE AND LET ME KNOW IF I AM CORRECT WITH THE OTHER PROPS
  
  THANK YOU
  SUSAN BOUDREAUX
  PLAMDALE CA
8. Susan M. Bingham April 12th, 2009 at 14:23
  
  Thank you for bringing much-needed rationality to government.
9. Frank H. Norman April 28th, 2009 at 17:56
  
  I had already decided to vote no on 1A, and yes on 1F but thanks, now I am sure. Please cover the others.
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Proposition 1A: Too High a Price—and Voters Shouldn’t Buy

31 responses to “Proposition 1A: Too High a Price—and Voters Shouldn’t Buy”

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