By James L. and Lori Lambert
In a special, statewide initiative held May 19th, California taxpayers rejected an effort to increase and prolong ‘temporary’ state income, use, sales and vehicle taxes that were part of this year’s (California legislature) budget agreement. By a margin of 65.9% to 34.1%, voters said no to Proposition 1A and four other measures that called for increases.
In a prepared statement, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that he would comply with the wishes of the voters. However, many Californian residents question the sincerity of the governor and state Democrat leadership.
California is already the highest taxed state in the union. As many residents and businesses flee the state for more tax friendly sites, California’s state employees grew by 1%. Already, California state employees earn the highest average salary ($66K) in the nation. Yes on 1A was supported by a number of government employee unions and the CA state Democrat party.
In the last few months, Sacramento has looked at ‘creative’ ways to increase taxes rather than make necessary cuts to balance their budget. Suggestions have included; taxes on soft drinks, a .25 cent per plastic bag tax (for bags used in grocery stores) to the idea of legalizing marijuana and taxing it. The governor is proposing to take more funds away from cities. Water districts are also being targeted.
San Diego radio talk show host, Rick Roberts told Christian Mirror that, “all levels of government … have pushed the American taxpayer to their limit. The silent majority doesn’t wish to be silent anymore. We have been taxed into oblivion and the voters are sending a strong and clear message that enough is enough.” He concludes by saying, “if average Americans have to do more with less, then so should their representative government.”
Roberts (www.760KFMB.com) and conservative radio talk show hosts such as Sean Hannity are hoping that California’s May 19th vote will send a strong message to state legislatures across America for no new taxes!
James L. Lambert, a frequent contributor to ChristianMirror.net and author of Porn in America, is a licensed nationwide real-estate mortgage loan sales agent and can be contacted through his website.