This morning it is my unfortunate duty to unveil a new website address for the so-called California Taxpayers Association. Until now, you could only access their website by going to www.caltax.org. But we here at the FlashReport officially unveil www.taxcal.org, which will take you straight to the home page of this group which has endorsed huge multi-billion dollar sales tax increase proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger as part of a “compromise budget” that seeks to punish California taxpayers for years of massive over-spending.

It speaks volumes about TaxCal (our new name for the group) that now, during a time when pro-taxpayer groups are rallying behind our strong Republican legislators, that they have broken ranks and embracing bigger, fatter state government. This is exactly the time when you get to learn who are real taxpayer advocates, and who are not.

The decision to endorse the Governor’s tax plan was made by TaxCal’s super-top-secret Board of Directors.… Read More

Update: Wednesday Morning

1. Barack-Backpedal from lipstick on a pig statement

2. Joe-Backpedal from the great idea of he [instead of Hillary] running for VP with Barack

3, Barack and Joe-Keep distance from supporters comparing the top of ticket to the Messiah, and from Guv. Palin’s never having an abortion being her primary qualification.

4. Barack and Joe-Thursday’s "Dumb Things" list-Try not to screwup on 9/11

Tuesday Morning 1. Barack-Insult at least 51% of the U.S. population by comparing Gov. Sarah Palin to a lipstick wearing pig.

2. Joe-Insult at least 51% of the U.S. population by telling the press that Gov. Sarah Palin running for VP is a setback for women.

3. Barack and Joe-thoughtfully prepare Wednesdays "Dumb Things" list… Read More

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger met yesterday with legislative Republicans. When he went to go speak to a closed meeting of Assembly GOPers, they were all wearing name tags, with Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines pointing out to the Sacramento Bee (I read it on the Capitol Alert e-mail) that some of his caucus members had yet to meet their Republican Governor.

Well, this played right into a quote that the Governor gave in an interview to a German magazine, where he talked about how he barely ever talks to Republican leaders in California. These legislators are our leaders, and it is unfortunate that the Governor was dismissive of them in that interview.… Read More

Since the convention ended I’ve had probably 40 calls for McCain Palin gear. So I went to www.ShopMcCain.com and got some stuff for Yolo County. It came right away.

They sent me enough McCain/Palin bumper stickers for anyone in Yolo County that is willing to put one on their car.

My constituents are e-mailing me and I am sending out the stuff.

McCain/Palin may not win the People’s Republic of Davis but we should do the right thing in Woodland.… Read More

The Governor may as well have been humming the U.C.L.A. Bruin fight song while going to a meeting of the U.S.C. Trojans. My sources tell me that that is a good analogy for what happened today when the Governor went into a closed-door meeting with Assembly Republicans. Once again, he has earnestly asked GOP legislators to sign off on a budget deal that punishes California taxpayers for the overspending of politicians (something Arnold actually promised he would never do), asking Republicans to sign off on his so-called "temporary" tax increase. You know, the one that socks it to Californians through a tax increase the next few years, and "promises" to then lower the tax rate a few years out… Right.

Well, Assembly Republicans made it clear to the Governor that a tax increase is not going to happen.

After the meeting, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, a leading critic of the Governor’s broken "I will not raise your taxes" pledge, has this to say:

A good synopsis from the Gov’s press team…. Voices Heard ‘Round The State…California Correctional Peace Officers Association’s Recall Attempt Just Another Political Intimidation Tactic

Sacramento Bee: “Union leaders can’t buy Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has never accepted CCPOA contributions, so now they want to recall him.” (Editorial, “A Desperate Ploy From Guards Union,” Sacramento Bee, 9/9/08)

CCPOA’s Actions Are A “Desperate” Attempt To Bully The Governor Towards High Pay Raises

San Diego Union-Tribune: “This Is A Bullying Tactic Designed To Force The Governor To Go Along With A Raise.” “… Everything about this reeks – starting with the group pushing for a recall. The prison guards union isn’t motivated by altruism; instead, this is a bullying tactic designed to force the governor to go along with a raise for CCPOA members.” (Editorial, “Recall Folly,” San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/9/08)

Union Trying To Use… Read More

Update: The bill was voted down 27 aye votes,all Reeps, to 45 no votes, all Dems

Our budget vice chair, Roger Niellois presenting on the budget package put forth from the Republican caucus, for vote right now. The bill is known as SB 1087, and amends the Budget Conference Committee report. It decreases spending from the original report document by over $5 billion. Though not a perfect document, as we hit day 71 of the ‘new’ fiscal year, this version is the best version so far that does not raise taxes, nor hurt the economy, and keeps spending priorities fairly well intact considering the mess we’re in. This is one we can live with.… Read More

State Board of Equalization Member Bill Leonard, a longtime FR friend, sent the following letter over to the President of the California Taxpayers’ Association, upon hearing that they had endorsed the Governor’s budget proposal that includes a massive, multi-billion dollar sales tax increase…