Budget Crisis A Game-Changer

by Tim Platt

This budget crisis is a game-changing event for the citizens of California.

We need to balance our state budget fairly.  That means accepting the Governor’s package of tax and fee increases and the elimination of Redevelopment Agencies, and instituting some of his spending cuts. 

But fairness means all of us participating in the pain.

We need to add: 

(1) a 1% increase in the highest income tax rate because the wealthy who are doing well can afford to help those who are hurting the most;

(2) taxing of all internet purchases because internet sales no longer deserve special protection;

3) elimination of protection of business property transfers that can shield them from property tax reassessment when their properties are transferred/sold;

(4) a 5% increase of corporate state income tax and a minimum tax on corporations so the big corporations pay at least some state income tax;

(5) distribution of sales tax proceeds to cities on a per capita basis so businesses can no longer get public funds by playing one city against another;

 (6) selective realignment of public employee pensions/medical costs to stop abuses and reduce costs.

And change the 2/3 vote necessary in the Legislature for tax increases to a 55% supermajority, so we can get past being stalled by just a few legislators.

We can use the added income to keep our critical programs from being devastated:  colleges, schools, work training, low-income health and welfare, parks, green energy.

Let us be known as the state that produced a fair reaction to the aftermath of the Bush recession…not the dangerous demagoguery coming from Wisconsin.

Go to www.martinezca.org to find contact information for the Governor and other of our elected officials.  Tell them what you think.