Category Archives: California

South Dakota to Southern Californians: We’re Business Friendly

An interesting story out of the San Jose Mercury-News: The governor of South Dakota, Dennis Daugaard, will make a recruiting trip to Southern California to recruit businesses to relocate. The article notes the advantages of South Dakota in taxes and … Continue reading

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Greenspan Sues California

Last month I wrote about the Kafka-esque saga of Aaron Greenspan and California. I received an update this evening that Mr. Greenspan has filed a civil case against the state alleging that California’s actions violate the federal constitution (the interstate … Continue reading

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“California — Toxic for Business”

Wendell Cox and Steve Malanga penned an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times that’s worth your perusal. They argue what I’ve been saying for some time: “Unless Sacramento moves to improve the business climate, California’s reputation as one of the … Continue reading

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California Revenues Continue Below Budget

October is usually a good month for California collections (of taxes). After all, it’s the extension deadline and many residents send more money to Sacramento. This month, though, revenues were $810 million below budget; the deficit year to date is … Continue reading

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“Unwritten, Arbitrary, and Capricious Policies”

While I just praised the Board of Equalization for doing something smart, it’s time for a dose of reality in dealing with the world of California bureaucracy. A gentleman named Aaron Greenspan developed a product called FaceCash. California has a … Continue reading

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The BOE Does Something Smart

One of my clients received a letter from the California Board of Equalization: Our records of your qualified purchaser use tax account indicate that you have filed “zero returns” (no use tax to report) for three consecutive years. Therefore, this … Continue reading

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Sometimes the Light at the End of the Tunnel Is an Oncoming Train

September revenue in California came in at a bit more than $300 million under forecast. That brings the fiscal year to somewhere between $700 and $800 million below forecast. (The California Controller’s office and the California Finance Department use slightly … Continue reading

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In Regulators We Trust

That might be the state motto of California. An excellent article by Mike Perrault of the Desert Sun looks at what has happened to the entrepreneurial spirit in the Bronze Golden State. It contains the news that: A Vietnamese restaurant … Continue reading

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California Leads the Way: Worst State for Business

Another survey, another “winner” for California. Every three years Development Counsellors International publishes a survey: A View from Corporate America: Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing. Among the many results in the survey are the five best and worst states … Continue reading

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New Math: California Missed August Revenue Forecast

Just over one week ago, I wrote that California tax collections in August exceeded the budget. It turns out that California Controller John Chiang apparently had $75 million of insurance tax in August that was actually received in September. Thus, … Continue reading

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