Political theater occurred last night in Sacramento. The Assembly held a rare evening session, and the Democrats’ oil tax fell to defeat 45-30 (it needed a 2/3 vote to pass). The vote was party line, except for one. Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Bakersfield) voted no.
The Democrats framed the issue as “Save our children, tax the rich low-taxed oil companies.” Republicans called it political theater. Democrats want to increase taxes; there’s no room in the budget to cut spending. Republicans want to cut spending; there’s no room in taxpayers’ pockectbooks to pay for additional taxes.
I think it’s well worth remembering these two themes as we vote this year. Over the last four years spending increased 44% while revenues increased 40%. I think that’s food for thought.