Monthly Archives: October 2008

Proposition 6: Law Enforcement Funding

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Russ

Proposition 6 requires specific funding for police and law enforcement, and adds several new crimes (mainly gang-related) to the penal code. It also changes sentencing, generally tightening (lengthening) sentences, especially for gang-related offenses. It is also estimated to cost at … Continue reading →

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Proposition 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Russ

Proposition 5 is one of the few non-bond initiatives that could impact taxes on this year’s California ballot. Proposition 5 changes sentencing for drug offenses, which may be good or bad depending on your views. It definitely impacts taxes, though. … Continue reading →

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Propositions 4, 8, and 9

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Russ

These three propositions do not directly impact taxes. Proposition 4 would mandate a waiting period for 48 hours before a minor could have an abortion. Proposition 8 would ban same-sex marriage. Proposition 9 adds victims rights to matters relating to … Continue reading →

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Not Much to Look Forward to When He’s 92

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Russ

Irwin Schiff has about twelve more years left on his sentence. He’s 79, so the chance of him promoting his illegal tax reduction schemes was slight. It’s now zero. From Las Vegas comes the news that a federal court has … Continue reading →

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Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bonds

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Russ

Yet another bond proposal. This one would raise $980 million in bonds to help children’s hospitals. The downside is that it would cost taxpayers $2 billion per year over $30 years to repay the bonds. The bonds would be used … Continue reading →

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Proposition 2: Farm Animals

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Russ

Proposition 2 would change animal agriculture, a major industry in California. It would impact not only cattle and chickens but eggs and some other industries. Proposition 2 would require more “humane” handling of animals. This sounds innocuous, but it’s not. … Continue reading →

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Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bonds

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Russ

It’s time to begin our study of the ballot measures on California’s ballot in two weeks. I will be continuing my series on the presidential candidates—my article on John McCain will be up later this week. For now, let’s look … Continue reading →

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Too Much Fraud

Posted on October 19, 2008 by Russ

I counted over thirty interesting tax evasion stories from the last few days. There’s no way I’m going to put them all in a post so here are the highlights. First, let’s head to Gallatin County, Montana. Ruth Amande knew … Continue reading →

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California Budget Problems

Posted on October 19, 2008 by Russ

Surprise, surprise: California’s budget, assembled with smoke, mirrors, and lots of hope is already in trouble. Analysts already see a $1 billion deficit and think that $3 billion is a more likely number…and we’re still in October. The fiscal year … Continue reading →

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2009 Inflation Adjustments

Posted on October 19, 2008 by Russ

Now that 2007 tax returns are complete it’s time to begin thinking about 2008 and 2009. The IRS announced this past week inflation adjustments for 2009: – Personal exemptions will increase from $3350 in 2007 to $3500 in 2008 to … Continue reading →

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