Category Archives: California

If any of the ballot initiatives pass this month—and that’s not likely—expect lawsuits challenging the wording of the initiatives. The language used is supposed to be non-partisan, neutral, and to accurately represent the matter being voted on. By far the … Continue reading →

The Legislative Analyst’s Office reported today that California’s budget deficit could balloon to $23 billion if Propositions 1A-1E fail at the ballot box. Even if they pass, the deficit could rise to $17 billion. I’ll keep repeating what I’ve said … Continue reading →

Like Proposition 1E, Proposition 1D taps a “protected” source of funding to help balance the budget. If Proposition 1D passes, $610 million will be taken from the Children’s Services Funds (a $0.50 tax on tobacco products) in 2009-2010 and $268 … Continue reading →

A few years ago, California voters passed the Mental Health Services Tax. That tax is a 1% surtax on those making $1 million or more. Come February 2009 the Legislature looked at how to balance California’s budget. Why not use … Continue reading →

I start the look at California’s ballot initiatives (the election is two weeks from today) with the last proposition on the ballot, Proposition 1F. I’ve decided to work backwards on these measures, from the least impactful to the most. Proposition … Continue reading →

Jerry Houseman, a member of the Sacramento City School Board. Here’s what he recently said of those of us who are against tax increases: He thinks that people who don’t want tax increases are against public education and funding of … Continue reading →

It’s time for a Captain Louis Renault Award (thank you, Hot Air, for the idea). The United States is suffering a recession. California’s legislative leaders not only had a bad budget back in February, they had relatively rosy projections of … Continue reading →

After April 15th, and my mandatory cooling off vacation, I’ve returned and posting will now resume at the usual rate. First up on the agenda is the May special election on Propositions 1A through 1F. These six ballot measures are … Continue reading →