Jon Coupal is President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
This November, California voters will face a slew of tax and bond proposals at both the state and local levels. Each of those ballot measures will be supported by the usual pleas from those who benefit from higher taxes – especially well funded labor organizations.
Special interests will complain about the “cuts” to vital public programs in education, transportation, health care, etc. that they have suffered in the past. But the problem they have is that they run head long into the facts – facts which show California government is now more flush with cash than at any other time in its more than 160 year history.
The California state budget projects spending of $122.6 of general fund dollars which is over 5% higher than last year and a stunning 42% more than when Brown took office in 2011.
As we get closer to the November election, this column will present a host of reasons why most tax increases should be rejected. We do this in full knowledge that our opponents, with tens of millions of dollars in campaign funds, will drown out any competing messages of fiscal responsibility, protections for homeowners and a healthy economic climate to ensure that California remains competitive for businesses both large and small.
To read the entire column click here http://www.hjta.org/california-commentary/tell-me-again-why-we-need-higher-taxes/