SACRAMENTO — Bending to the desires of a moderate Republican with future political ambitions, lawmakers finally found the final vote for a controversial solution to the state’s $42 billion deficit early today, apparently ending a grueling, six-day ordeal to pass the budget fix.
At 6:45 this morning, the Legislature passed the budget plan, which included several last-minute additions and changes desired by Republican Sen. Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria, who broke from the majority of legislative Republicans to vote for tax increases.
The passage ended days of virtually nonstop budget negotiations at the state Capitol, where Senators had been locked in for more than 24 hours to pressure the Republicans to vote for the plan and lawmakers also worked overnight on Valentine’s Day.
“This morning represents the single longest session in Senate history — 45 hours,” said Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, from the Senate floor when the package passed his house at 6:30 a.m. “Given the result I think it was worth it. … This crisis is about to be behind not us, but behind California.”
Central to the deal was Maldonado’s wish to have on the ballot a measure calling for state primary elections to be nonpartisan affairs. Maldonado, a moderate Republican who often finds himself on the fringes of his own party precisely because of the sort of actions he took Thursday, makes no secret of his desire to run for statewide elected office.
However, under the current election system, Maldonado has little chance of winning a Republican primary over more conservative candidates.
Liberal Democrats, however, initially were hesitant to approve the measure, saying it had absolutely nothing to do with the state’s struggling finances and was merely a ploy to help Maldonado’s political career. The measure will go on the ballot in June 2010, precisely when Maldonado is expected to be in a Republican primary for statewide office.
“The words that come to me are blackmail, extortion, skulduggery,” said Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Riverside, before the vote in the Assembly. “If any integrity is left in this house we should send it back.”
Maldonado denied it was any sort of extortion and maintained in his floor speech that this nonpartisan primaries would eventually prevent late budgets by electing more reasonable lawmakers.
Maldonado’s last-minute changes also included a second ballot measure calling for lawmakers not to receive an increase in their salaries during a time of budget crisis.
Of more impact to average Californians is a dramatic revision of the budget plan’s tax increases.
The new deal, which was in part negotiated with the help of Orange County Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, entirely eliminates any increase to the gas tax but instead raises every income tax bracket by 0.25 percent, taking the highest bracket to 9.55 percent.
Ultimately, the changes reduce the tax increases by $1.1 billion, to $13.2 billion, which go along with $15 billion in spending cuts.
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, who voted against the deal, called the last-minute additions and subtractions bad policy and decried how they were put together at the 11th hour. Language for the bills were being drafted as late as 2:30 a.m. for bills that were voted on at 4:30 a.m.
“Preparing for a vote at 2 in the morning fits with a pattern of this place where hugely important seem to magically occur between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.,” DeVore said. When he spoke on the Assembly floor later to oppose the tax increase, he proclaimed: “This tax increase will be the anti-stimulus.”
DeVore wasn’t the only Republican complaining. Most Republicans in both houses were against this plan from the start, even though their leaders helped negotiate it. At issue was the tax increases, which the GOP said were deadly during a slumping economy. Nonetheless, in the Assembly, lawmakers easily found three Republicans willing to vote for the plan.
In the Senate, however, only two of the three necessary Republican votes were in the bag when the Legislature started voting on the package of bills last Saturday. Since then, lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had been working round the clock to find one more Senate Republican to vote for the package.
Eventually, they settled on Maldonado and essentially caved to his demands, despite many Democrats’ reservations about the primary election measure.
The only Orange County lawmakers voting for the proposal were Democrats — Assemblymen Tony Mendoza of Artesia and Jose Solorio of Santa Ana and Sen. Correa. Correa who had promised when he was elected in 2006 not to raise taxes, but secured as part of this plan $35 million to $50 million in additional funding for Orange County, through a revision of a complicated property tax distribution formula.
“This is probably the most difficult vote, the most important vote of my life,” Correa said before voting for the tax increases. I … believe the easy vote for me today is to vote no. It would be good for my political career.”
But then Correa related the story of his kids’ soccer coach losing his job. The budget package’s economic stimulus, Correa said, will create jobs and save jobs.
“I believe it is my responsibility to ensure the health and well being of my constituents.”
The budget package passed by the Legislature now awaits the governor’s signature.
Contact the writer: 916-449-6046 or bjoseph@ocregister.com
Money is available if the State allowed the oil wells and natural gas to be pumped from California wells. The state could receive up to $50 Billion a year. The Democrats know this but they got what they wanted, higher taxes and more entitlements. Now California is the HIGHEST taxed state in the United States, or at least tied to be it.
Congratulations Democrats, you just neutralized whatever the Stimulus Package would have done for California. Now California is in a deeper hole financially with losses from companies fleeing the state.
At least Chuck DeVore didn’t sell out. Principles, principles, principles…the Democrats have nobe.
The Republican party in California is DEAD! They are 100% worthless. I will never vote for another California Republican for the rest of my life. Now, I have no Choice, but to move to another state because I can NOT afford to pay an extra $10,000 over the next 5 years in taxes. I’m taking my family, my small business, and my wife’s small business and were taking the jobs and state revenue with us. The rich and illegals can have California. The only good thing left about California is the weather, but the traffic, taxes, illegals, and everything else are the worst in the country.
I think it is time for use to revolt and overtake the govt of California
That’s it for me. Today I change my republican party affiliation that I’ve held for over 20 odd years. I’m out. No more money. No more support. No more votes. The way the republicans in sacramento handled this mess was atrocious. Agreeing to secret meetings, secret negotiations with the two republican leaders stabbing us in the backs and voting ‘yes’ on $14 billion in tax increases. Horrendous. We have lost our party. It’s truly a sad, sad day. I will vote for only 3rd party candidates in the future on a local and national level. Devore acted with too little too late. He should have fought this 2 months ago when they started the secret meetings in Sacramento. He didn’t. As far as I’m concerned he’s just as complicit as all the rest.
‘Bending to the desires of a moderate Republican with future political ambitions’
Maldonado just committed political suicide. He has no future in elected office. He better hope Arnie appoints him to one of those BS commissions or boards for 120 grand a year.
This is pathetic. I was born and raised in SoCal and now we have to make the decision to leave. I agree, let the illegals have this state. We cater to them as it is, why not add insylt to injury!
The Republican Party is joke! Abel Maldonado your policatical career will pay for this steal billions of dollars from Californians!
Nice. Thanks legislature. Lets just keep raising our taxes. Thanks for watching out for us. The rest of us are tightening our belts while you tax and spend. Bite me.
Give me my state income tax refund NOW! Unfortunately the state lackeys think the illegal parasites deserve it more than I do.
Time to start the RECALL process. We need the names of every politician that gave a yes vote to this disaster. Apparantly they don’t care about the average citizen. It’s time to show them what the average citizen is capable of.
I am disappointed. Disappointed because of self-seekers who seem to be stuck on spending. Because statesmen who take a stand are slammed as being self-seekers.
I am disturbed. Disturbed because the state continues to run its business in ways I cannot or could not in my home and business. I would have nothing in either home or business if I conducted my finances the way our government does.
I am frustrated. Frustrated because of yet another action that will further disable citizens and business, When my niece and her husband are married in a few months, they will be taking their small business out of state. Add them to my list of former Californians.
Wasn’t taxation at the root of our American Revolution? Can we not learn from history that excessive taxation oppresses the people? Indeed, disappoints, disturbs, and frustrates them into action? May enough citizens possess the character they say our lawmakers lack to once again initiate civil but certain action.
WOW. Finally, afte months of the physically challenged and elderly and childern bracing for the solution, we finally have it. Very curious to see how these constituents end up being affected by all of the cuts. Good job, CORREA, it looks like you are getting some backbone!
So who exactly does Maldonado think will send bribes, err donations, to his campaign? Democrats? The GOP had it right that significant SPENDING REDUCTIONS are needed. This is a SPENDING PROBLEM not a revenue problem. This state is doomed. The problem is CA is the blue print for the Obama Administration.
The only winners are the government labor unions, and the parasites sucking at the public teat.
The losers are the typical middle-class California worker. Those in the upper class who can afford to do so are making plans to move to a more economically friendly state.
Dispicable.
Well, they can raise taxes all they want but I’m not going to pay them. They are extortion and the government is behaving no differently than a criminal mafia. What are they going to do if we simply refuse to pay? Come after us with guns? We have guns too……..
It use to be only the Republic of Santa Monica then the Bay Area became members of everything leftist. Well, we finally did it, we’re now the Republic of California with a collection of everyday leftist, crazies, socialist, communist and tree huggers. I’ll be leaving soon and taking my business with me. I know that as an individual it won’t approach a critical loss to the state coffers but joined by others fleeing the state it will have a real impact. The Democrats should be happy and they are but there will be a price to pay for their happiness. California will turn to a Brazil model with a ruling class living in guarded neighborhoods and the rest of the state living in substandard condition. All of us share the blame for allowing these elitist to take over the state.
They can do all the smoke and mirror tricks they want. Bottom line is more money is coming out of my wallet to support the lazy of this state.
$1400 in new taxes annually for the average cali working family for at least the next 5 years. 5 x $1400 = $7000. And for those of you who don’t know it…..dems and republicans all get taxed the same. You both just got royally hosed. I urge you to change your party affiliations to ‘independent’. Fight back!
So while layoffs are going on left and right, the privileged class of government workers will not be subjected to layoffs. These hacks are protected by slimballs like Maldonado. If this idiot runs for statewide office, please vote for the Democrat that runs against him, not matter how imbecilic their ideas. Maldonado’s political future is over. .
The Republican Caucus need to fight this Budget in Courts. They have grounds based on passage under duress. Being locked in a building for 45 hours for the sole reason to make a single republican break is unethical and in my opinion the same as unlawful confinement.
Further after 45 hours I do not think anyone could be in the right mindset to make a decision.
This budget needs to be challenged in Court.
Every republican aND democrat should change their voting registration to “INDEPENDENT”. I did last year after a life time of being a registered republican.
This 30 year registered republican is now INDEPENDENT!
Arnie needs to make another “B” level mainsteam loser action move and donate the money from the morons going to see it to the California Deficit… Terminator 12 or some lame schiznit.
so this clown, Maldonado, changed his vote solely to benefit himself. just another reason why this budget should not have been passed. I never thought I’d miss Pete Wilson and Gray Davis.
Arizona, Utah, Colorado and other states are already campaining with CEO’s to steal businesses from CA due to the pending increases in taxes. I worked for a fortune 500 company that closed and left due to the unfriendly environment to business here.
This is not over, next year it will be a 75 billion shortfall, and subseqent increased taxes will drive jobs and people out of the state.
The only taxpayers will work for the government. (now that is funny)
THIS IS WAR!!! Heads are going to roll.
Will the last American to leave California please bring the flag.
http://www.sos.ca.gov - re-register!
Where have you people been? What reality do you live in? Do you not realize that even if California laid off EVERY SINGLE State worker, we would still have a budget deficit of 16 billion dollars? Don’t you get it? Release prisoners, not highway patrol, nothing. Close everything up like the State Parks, etc. And guess what? It only saves you 24 billion a year. Stop beating up on State workers, who want to make a living just like everyone else (NO, I’m not a State worker).
This comes from years, YEARS of bad tax cuts. The budget has, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, grown just a tiny bit over the years.
————————-
Total state spending over the decade 1998-99 through 2008-09 … Total spending grows over this period from $72.6 billion to $128.8 billion-an average annual growth rate of roughly 6 percent…
* After adjusting for inflation, real spending has grown by roughly 18 percent over the entire period, or an annual average growth rate of roughly 1.7 percent.
* Real per-capita spending-which adjusts for both inflation and population growth-would increase by about 2.2 percent over the period, for an average annual rate of 0.2 percent.
http://www.lao.ca.gov/analysis_2008/2008_pandi/pi_anl08004.aspx#zzee_link_1_1203039458
——————————-
You’ve been lied to by the radio hosts and the Republicans, who voted for every State budget prior to this. It’s far more complicated than you think or even understand. Commercial real estate gets a deal in this state due to prop 13, people who are in their homes are getting a deal in property taxes. Not all our taxes are “high”. Arnold cut the car tax, that chopped 7 billion out of the budget annually, it does add up year after year.
So you can rage against the “illegals” as no one actually wants to do something about it, like maybe fine people who hire them, they won’t come here as long as there are NO JOBS. You can rail against them all you want but Republicans haven’t done one realistic thing to solve that problem, they just whine about it. Cheap labor comes at a cost and it’s just not so cheap.
time to buy a gun lol
Oh Heather shut it!Unload all this cr p that we hand to people in this state and we would be fine!Just shut it!
Teresa - that’s your response? “shut it”? That’s civil.
http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/Default.aspx - this link should get you to the pdf to complete and print.
Change your party now! Reregister and then let’s fight to oust the Dems and Reps.
They really behaved dispicably!
You folks are missing the point. This is not about Maldonado. He was simply the fall guy. This is about the entire state bunch of state republican legislators who allowed their ‘leaders’ to sell us down the river. The republicans should have NEVER agreed to the secret meetings and budget negotiations out of the public eye. NEVER! But they gave it their blessings! We expect dems to votes for new taxes. ALL DEMS VOTED ‘YES’! The dems were able to control the members. The republicans let their members go awry and sideways. And they will not be censured or removed from their positions of power on the standing committees in Sacramento. Nope. The party will no nothing to punish them. I urge you to resign your republican party affiliation today! Send them a message!
This is unbelievable
Heather:
Boo frikin who. These are all things that SHOULD NOT EXIST IN THE FIRST PLACE. These are things that are not in the U.S. Constitution. 99% of government jobs should be handled by private companies. Taxes aren’t even legal! ESPECIALLY income tax! The Constitution allows for taxes on profit, since I’m trading fair value for my time, IT CANNOT BE TAXED. I’m not sure what reality YOU live in….
Sam, why not stop paying those taxes if they aren’t legal? The Private sector is not the problem and the Government is not the problem. It’s far more complicated than that.
And you are wrong, the constitution is not clear on any of that. Define the commons for me?
We need to stand together as people against this kind of action, this is OUR state and we need to make a stance and stop this
Between the OC BS, I mean, BoS (Board of Supervisors) and the State Hacks, we’re pretty doomed. Sure, there’s no money - I GET THAT! When there’s no money, logic and honesty says QUIT SPENDING…criminal behavior says to steal from others! They’re crooks plain and simple and i’ve stamped and mailed my new voter registration card ALREADY TODAY! I’m so fed up!
http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/Default.aspx
http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/Default.aspx
http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/Default.aspx
Click on the link and re-register now!
I have stopped paying taxes… The Constitution IS clear. If its not clear to you, take a reading comprehension course. People love to make the excuse that its unclear if it says things they don’t like. The Founding Fathers were no dummies, their English was clear and to the point. That was kind of the point of the whole thing, don’t you think?
Yep, we are screw–
Heather said: Do you not realize that even if California laid off EVERY SINGLE State worker, we would still have a budget deficit of 16 billion dollars?
Due to the fact that we pay state workers a handsome pension and health benefits for LIFE!
And actually the 16th Amendment was never even properly ratified, but since the government benefits from it they refuse the facts and let it be.
Everyone should register “INDEPENDENT”. This will send a message to both parties. It also makes it harder for them to draw political districts
This budget is the 200-pound chimp to my tax-paying face. The assault on our prosperity is no less heinous, and no less permanently damaging to CA.
Well, as usual, it’s a real pleasure to see the intelligent, unemotional, rational discourse of the OCR readers.
Or…not.
Anyway, the good news is that the gas tax, which would have an immediate and devastating impact on citizens from all walks of life, has been canceled. This is very good. It affects us all, and it would have been a disaster.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, it is time to get to work on the budget for 2010. It is time to start political action to eliminate welfare benefits to illegals and their anchor children, by amending the constitution to remove automatic citizenship to children born of persons in this country illegally. It is time to demand that public employee pensions and benefits be brought into line with public sector peers. It is time to demand that government agencies do as Disney and other companies are doing, and that is remove the layers of upper management that are overpaid and repeat tasks. It’s time to eliminate ridiculous perks from public officials, and to require every public sector job to be justified with hard numbers as to the need, and to be evaluated on merit, not seniority. It is time to offer public sector employees the option of removing themselves from the unions, without risk to their jobs, and taking their personally paid in retirement to Social Security, if they so choose. It is time to reward those who provide needed services when they do so with efficiency and hard work, and punish those who waste. It is time to cut waste from the top, the middle and the bottom, wherever it exists.
It is time for some people to fall, and fall hard. That must start with local government out of touch with reality, like our own, here. That must include greedy builders who keep throwing up dreadful little shacks and selling them for half a million dollars. It must include bankers and auto execs who live large while begging for our tax dollars.
In short, it is time for the citizens of this state to take the lead and get off their Wii playing behinds. It is time for them to get out of their inertia and start the action that will change this mess.
I propose we start with a constitutional amendment, changing the laws of citizenship. The illegal problem is breaking California’s back. Start there. When the people rise up and act, then the rest of the powers that be will get into line.
Or, you can sit and complain. Up to you.
Today I am ashamed to say I have been a registered Republican for many years. However, the entire Legislature should be ashamed for holding its constituency hostage because of partisan politics. I wonder if any legislator feels guilt or shame for being a direct cause of furloughs and deteriorating state financial condition. While I agree nonpartisan primaries and no pay increases for legislators during budget crises are good ideas, I am incredulous a budget took this long to send to the governor for signature.
Do I want to see higher taxes? Of course not. Unfortunately I see little choice because of the state’s dire financial condition.
Will higher taxes cause businesses to leave the state? Absolutely. However, increased revenue is required to keep services and pay expenses.
It’s disgusting and sad but it’s the result of many years of a legislature solely existing in two worlds — Republican and Democrat. Reality is much more complicated and affects EVERYONE.
Self-serving legislators — your constituency suggests you re-learn playground skills — kindergarteners demonstrate better behavior than that which you’ve modeled for the nation to see.
I vote in every election. I read legislation and understand government processes, including financing. I think the California legislature forgets there are many like me in the constituency.
Is it any wonder more people vote for “American Idol” than in any election?
California sucks! I’m switching from Republican to Independent today!!
This state is run by a bunch of left wing union thugs! The passing of this budget is going to creat anarchy, no doubt about it! I hope these corrupt politicians have good body guards!
Forgive me, I meant public sector employee benefits brought into line with private sector peers.
Look, Republicans are working in Government. Reagan and Wilson raised taxes in a recession. Reagan, Bush I and Bush II all grew the Government. Republicans don’t care about the middle class. It’s developers, big business, etc.
If people really wanted to change this, they would run for office but most people can’t afford to do it, they don’t have the money. You think you matter to coporations? They stopped doing the right thing for their employees years ago and the people who took it, now they are bitter that the last stand is in the public sector where people can retire and know that if they work hard they will have a pension. And hey, you do realize that the money in their pensions is theirs? They have money taken out of their paychecks, right, you get that, right? Teachers don’t pay into social security, did you know that?
When I buy something, I’m paying a private sector employees pay. It’s not rocket science. Just blaming the Government isn’t going to change anything.
Sam- That’s nice you can live in a reality that others can’t. This is our reality. Our Government is what makes American great, they aren’t mutually exclusive. You either love your Country or you don’t. It’s not that hard to understand. And yes I can read. If it was that simple, then we wouldn’t have a SCOTUS. But it’s not that simple and as times change, so do laws.
DisHonest Abe said over and over he would not vote for this tax hike!
HE IS NOTHING BUT A LIAR!
Why are you even a republican?
you should be ashamed of yourself! I hope your district replaces you with a democrat because that’s what they and you deserve!
Plague upon your home.
IT’S TIME FOR ARNOLD and DISHONEST ABE TO FACE “TOTALL RECALL”!!!
I am moving out of California!
This government is insane. They will soon be governing only illegals and homeless.
Salsipuedes!
We should not submit to the dictatorship of the spendthrift legislature of California.
It is useless to rant against the Republicans, it only took a few of them to cheat and lie to their voters to send us under water.
The only solution left is for the conservative counties of Southern California (Orange, San Diego, Imperial and Riverside) to SECEDE from the People’s Republic of California.
Our economic future is in jeopardy. Why should we have to move to get away from the totalitarian actions of a special-interest supporting set of fools?
The southern counties can create a viable and fiscally responsible state.
Rather than rant and rave, start contacting your local politicians and CLAMOUR for SECESSION.
I need to leave this god forsaken state immediately.
The death spiral for California has begun.
Arnold is a loser sorry i voted for that illegal loving fool,if we would stop all the free money they get from us we wouldnt be in this mess,billions go to freeloaders sucking us dry like now, they are not suppose to be here,but no one has the #$#% to stop the money to them so we the middle class suffer more while they send millions home to mexico from there welfare checks.i got 36 months to go to retire then this longtime native long beach surfer is retiring to south america.let all the illegals have california when there is no workers to feed them they will crawl back to the motherland mexico and have to work for a taco then…
taryntee - As long as there are jobs here they will come. No one wants to pay more for services and Republicans don’t want to piss off their corporate backers, so they won’t do anything to solve the problem but use it as a means to scapegoat undocumented workers.
I actually agree on the fact that there is waste in Government, just like there is WASTE everywhere. They should change how budgets are allocated. If a portion of your budget isn’t spent, it should stay in the general fund rather than being eliminated the following year. You see, because of this, even if people don’t need to spend the money, they do so they can keep it for the following year. This alone forces every part of the Government to OVERSPEND, it’s stupid.
During the past years of rising revenues, states that had increased taxes to fill the expanding budget, could have returned the money to taxpayers as budgets were in surplus or saved for the recession that was sure to happen; unfortunately, some states used the revenue boom to expand their budgets beyond sustainable levels i.e. California.
Next year, and the year after will be much worse than this year and the spiral begins…..
Looks like Heather is enjoying bending over for all of us. Good job, Heather, rationalize the behavior of the crooks (Republicans and Democrats alike) in Sacramento!
Ohhhh (insert peaceful harp music here) Heather made it so clear. BAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA LOL She is a fine product of social engineering from her education. HA HA HA LOL
Precisely, Heather. I happen to know that if any agency cuts waste, streamlines and is more efficient, saving money, they are punished by the money being spent on “projects”, instead of put away for “rainy days”. Our own Board of Supervisors have used such funds to redecorate their offices, conference rooms and break room. That money should go into general fund for a disaster, and if the savings build up, then returned to the people, the taxpayers, in rebates and lower taxes.
But you are very wrong about illegals. This is the most opportune time to act, because the jobs are NOT here. There are people desperate for any job. They come here for work, yes, but they bring their families here because once they pop out a baby, they have an anchor into the welfare system. They can get food stamps and cash aid for those citizen children, supplementing their income. The Mexican government hands out flyers in border towns, showing them how to do this. They get WIC, welfare, food stamps and free education. I don’t begrudge anyone a better life, but not at the expense of the economy that people who came here legally are trying to create. Additionally, they get free medical care for their pregnancies, and free nursing home care for their elderly. If they are injured or deathly sick, they get free hospital care. We simply cannot afford this!
Government workers are not to blame for how the system is set up. Most of the workers I know despise their unions. It is time for change, and it must be done. But the pain should be fairly shared, across the board.
Heather: Spoken like a true Dummycrap.
The illegals are hired because our wonderful all American government has made so many ridiculous laws (Things like minimum wage, OSHA BS, ADA etc) for employers that make it expensive and difficult for them. Hell, my company got in trouble for the types of door knobs we have and had to spend a few thousand dollars to replace them…. just in case we hire somebody with no hands…. which we’d never do. We have literally legislated our entire country into the ground. People are whining and saying things are “unclear” when everything is there staring us in the face.
Time to show the following legislators and elected officials the door: Chiang, Cogdill, Ashburn, and Maldonado, There needs to be another taxpayer revolt along with throwing out the trash in Sacramento.
I was born and raised in SoCal and I love it here but lately I have been getting so sick and tired of the liberal politics and illegal aliens in this state that I have been seriously considering moving. This does it! As soon as my youngest graduates from high school next year I am GONE!!!!!! The liberals and the illegals can have California. I have one question for the state legislature. When everyone who is willing to work leaves CA, where are you going to get the money to pay for all these entitlements you refuse to quit handing out?
The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money - Margaret Thatcher
Heather, you are wrong. The people of this country make it great. The government is but a necessary evil, to be kept in check. Our founding fathers warned us of this. Greed, corruption, and apathy have come to roost.
My wife and I have faithfully voted Republican for 30 years. We are never going to vote Republican again.
No, not enjoying it at all. Thanks for asking. I blame Republicans and Democrats for this mess. But it has been YEARS in the making and we’ve let it happen. So stop whining and do something. It’s decades of people not doing something that has led to this. WE all have to sacrifice and I’m willing to pay my share. In the past, others weren’t willing and they got their property taxes cheap, now I get to pay for that. I bought my house in 2006, I don’t get that tax break. So be it.
But I’m tired of people whining and not bringing ANY solutions to the table. Do something and change how things run if you don’t like it.
The border issue is our Federal Government not doing its job. We are paying the price of living next to a third world country that doesn’t care about its citizens. it is about finding a humane answer to a very difficult problem.
I am also done with the Republican party. No more votes or donations ever again. Their only job was to look after their constituents and they sold them up the river. What happened to the no new tax pledge..another worthless lie from these scumbags. The best outcome for this could have been CA going BK and starting from square one. That would have fixed systemic problems, this was only a band-aid fix. With this recession, Sacramento will run out of money again soon and another “revenue increase” will be sought from the poor tax payers.
The legal, tax paying citizens of this state need to unite and seek change in a big way. If no wholesale changes are made, the future of this state is doomed. Only the filthy rich and parasites will remain here in the next decade.
Texas here I come…you morons in Sacramento should be ashamed of yourself.
Here’s the link! RE-REGISTER
http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/Default.aspx
Name call all you want. It doesn’t add to the discussion. Nice, this is why people hate politics, because they can’t express their views without it turning personal and insulting. Yes, Democrat, there are over 500,000 of us in the OC. Get used to it.
taryntee or anyone who knows - I am all for getting rid of these illegals who have run our state to the ground. Sorry, I’m not much into politics (I have enough of it at work) so tell me what I can do, who to call, who to write to. Why should we have to move and give them the state with the best weather in the nation? They don’t deserve to live here, we do!! Kick them back where they belong, them and all their anchor kids! Thanks!!!!
Heather - who are you related to up there?
Heather Maldonado?
Ed, teresa, samhill, etc are some of the dumbest people I’ve seen comments from in a very long time. Enjoy your state. The smart people like me left years ago when this crap started. Maybe you should move to Texas.
After all, you DID say “Name call all you want.”.
The average family making 100000 saved $250 (thats if you use 2000 gallons!) in gas tax but added $250 in income taxes! For $150000 you now lost $1250!!! A political play that actually the Dems would love. A real and lasting tax increase. Just remember this guy from Santa Maria and his name and send a message whenever and whereever he runs for any office!!!
Not related to anyone up there. I BLAME them all. Nice try.
I am so glad I moved out of state. The grass is not always greener in other states, but I can predict that California is going to continue to have these budget crisis’ year after year and keep coming back to the taxpayer for more and more money. Remember no tax is temporary.
Texas, you mean home of NASA, Ti, Lockheed Martin, the leader in renewable energy, all kinds of technology based companies, lower taxes, and a general belief in freedom and the U.S. Constitution? Yeah, maybe I’ll go hang out with some of those “dummies”
johnadamas, if you’re so happy you’re gone, why do you keep coming back to read the OC / So Cal news? Isn’t there any news in Texas that will hold your interest? Just wondering………
Looks like unions will keep raping the tax payers, senators and assembly men will keep spending your money like drunken sailors, welfare queens and illegal aliens will get better health benefits than you and receive handouts of your tax money for not working, and we poor, unrepresented, hard working, obey the law, honest citizens of California will get the knife buried deep in our backs. The democrat liberal wackos running the state will have achieved their goal of having more than 50% of the voters looking to the government for a handout and being those types of sorry people, they will vote for the liberal, socialist, democrat tax and spend buffons. California, not to be outdone by Obama’s socialsim, we call and raise him $70 billion in taxpayers money to be wasted.
after reading most of the comments. It is apparent that we know and understand what is causing this great state to crumble into a third world country. My only hope is that are we finally disgruntled enough to demand to our representatives that there must be change in the state of California. As much as I though I would never think it….but I must get ready to pack….I see the end and I really do not want to be here when they asked what happen to the great state of California. Didn’t anybody care? Couldn’t they just stop the spending and the greed. All great things come to end…..I just wish one politician had the courage to stop the madness. But in today’s world they really only look out for themselves and if anyone caught it on Youtube.
Vote for the SECESSION of Orange, San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties from California. We don’t need the dictatorship of the People’s Republic of California.
Its funny how no one stops to mention how much all the new and existing borrowing is going to cost California over the next umptine years. Pile our obligation for the increased debt load from the Feds screw-up (I mean bail-out) on top; might as well right this state off. Time to move!
Here is the traitors email
Senator.Maldonado@senate.ca.gov
Write to him and tell him what you think.
Hope and Grace, and others, no matter what Heather might say, there is a rule here about personal attacks. Do try to untwist your knickers and discuss things like adults.
Heather, you are correct about the taxes, in a manner of speaking. The fact is, no one should have to pay ridiculous property or income taxes when all they see is the money being mismanaged and wasted.
Our government officials want to distract taxpayers into blaming government workers, because it serves their own purpose. The blame must be fairly spread around, even to the ranting taxpayers. They sat on their obese, overfed, materialistic, pampered tushies for the better part of a decade, more worried about the latest cell phones of video games, and now they are shocked and shaken by a downturn that was years in the making. I remember the recall of Davis, and nothing has improved since we got an actor, not a governor. (Between you and me, he wasn’t much of an actor, either.)
The humane answer to the illegal problem is a guest worker program enforced with sanctions to the Mexicans from the federal aid we give them if they don’t step up to build their infrastructure. The drug war makes this far more complicated, and Steven Greenhut addressed that difficult problem. But removing automatic citizenship to children born of illegals would have a chilling effect on the flow. We also must end the paying of welfare to illegals in any form. If I were to illegally enter Japan, China, France, Britain, Spain or…yes…Mexico, and have a child (which would make a world record, I think, at my age), those governments would not make my offspring a citizen and bestow food, medical care, cash, housing and education upon us. No, they would boot our illegal, law breaking behinds back here, probably after letting me cool my heels in a fine penal institution. America owes NO ONE a free ride. We have enough truly disabled, elderly, sick and vulnerable citizens of our own to look after. We cannot afford to take care of Mexico, unless, of course, Mexico wants to sign over their land and country to us and become a part of the union. But they won’t. Therefore, they must fend for themselves.
You have got to be kidding! It is time for the people to show their strength.
To be free of excessive taxes was one of the grounds this country was founded on. It is time for the people to take back the state. If 5,000,000
people refuse to pay there taxes what will the state do? If we eliminate and quit paying for every illegal immigrant to live here we don’t have to raise taxes.Let the illegal’s have the state we don’t care anymore. If we could just sell our houses we could get the heck out of here. California used to be where people wanted to live, in the future we’ll just come for vacation. 50% of jobs want to hire bilingual people anyway. Its time for revolt. I’m calling the John and Ken show today and ask them to start organizing it!!!!
Heather: Thanks for your well-written blogs. It is refreshing to have an Orange County resident who can present another side to California’s budget problems.
In regard to illegals: I know many people in Orange County who are filled with hate toward illegals, but these same people will pay discounted prices to have possible illegals clean their houses, do gardening, repair furniture. Hypocrisy is alive in the O.C.
I just hope all the bloggers who are promising to leave California will follow through. We don’t need more nuts.
No one likes more taxes, even me, but isn’t it time we all started acting like a community and doing our part to get ourselves out of a mess we are all in? I, for one, am glad to have escaped the $.12 gas tax and will gladly chip in to keep this state running. Let’s not sell our beautiful coastlines and pick on those less fortunate than we are. I’d rather chip in and keep my job, keep this state healthy, and keep teachers employed than the alternative. We all have our high ideals, but let’s face reality, folks. We are in trouble, and sacrifices have to be made to get back on track.
taryntee - Yes, I think you do have a more humane solution, it’s getting them to impliment it.
Woodbridge- Thank you. And yes, it’s very true, people don’t want to pay higher prices for things but they don’t want to pay for it on the back end. It’s hypocrisy alright.
And to top it off, undocumented workers pay taxes, not just sales tax, but income and social security taxes. People often forget that because it’s easy to hate people you don’t know. It solves nothing.
I say we start a move to separate Southern California from the Orange County border down to Mexico and become our own State. The Democrats that got us into this budget mess have taken NO RESPONSIBILITY and now are making us PAY for their SPEND, SPEND, SPEND mentality. When is it going to be enough for voters to revolt? Oh, and not only are they taking our tax dollars, they won’t give us our money back (TAX REFUNDS). That isn’t even legal, but they don’t care they are above the law. Thanks to all of you who put these people into office, I hope you are proud of yourselves.
“I just hope all the bloggers who are promising to leave California will follow through. We don’t need more nuts.”
The irony of that is just awesome. We are mad because we have to pay more taxes (though we can still refuse). If we leave, that will leave even more of a burden on those who are left. It is assumed your taxes will be raised even higher. If you don’t mind throwing your hard earned money away, thats fine with me, throw it away, you earned it. However, nobody can demand that another person do the same. THAT is criminal.
They really don’t know how this is going to affect everyone will they? So the people who are living paycheck to paycheck who are trying to hang on to their house will lose it now! If an extra $100 is what’s keeping them in their house each month then this will break it………This will cause companies to move to a different state … that means more people will lose their job. It’s a domino effect……..just watch.
“Total state spending over the decade 1998-99 through 2008-09 … Total spending grows over this period from $72.6 billion to $128.8 billion-an average annual growth rate of roughly 6 percent…”
So you get a 6% increase every year? I know I don’t.
And so the politicians of Sacramento go back to work after patting themselves on the back only to face the same deficit next year, the year after, etc. because not one of these cowards addresses illegal immigration which is at the crux of this state’s problems
Just changed to Independant. Here is the link.
http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/Default.aspx
We all should just protest against it !!!!
Heather, I must disagree. For every dollar that illegals put into the economy, they take three out. That is basic economics. It isn’t about hate. I don’t hate illegals, nor do I begrudge anyone the dream of America. But they have the advantage of GEOGRAPHY that people in other nations do not have. Because they share a border, they can break the law and come here, burdening our taxpayers with their medical care, and with educating, feeding and caring for their unfettered (thanks to the Catholic dogma) offspring. I am angry that people from Darfur, and other countries, who suffer and dream of coming here must sit on waiting lists for decades for a shot, and who come here with the legal understanding that they must be self supporting or have a sponsor. That is unfair to people around the world who OBEY the law.
It isn’t hate. It’s fairness. It’s a love for this country and all the people who want to legally build something, not drain it. The anger and frustration of the people here is real, and the government had better listen, because it must change.
Every company that hires illegals should be fined. Period. Every person who hires illegals for household employees should be required to support the employee and their children for LIFE.
Finally, children born to illegals should not have automatic citizenship. No welfare, no medical, no nothing.
I am a little puzzled by some of your reactions. You will no longer vote for republicans because a self serving politician traded his vote for his own agenda. Now I have no love for liberal republicans because this is exactly what you get with them they will throw you over for their own interest every time,but to blame the republicans as a whole is a little misguided. We live in a one party state that is controlled by the democrats the only way to change this is to recruit more republicans not to bail out on them. The republicans as a group performed admirably sticking to their convictions in spite of the pressure. The problem is they don’t have the votes to withstand any defections. Our problem is with the democrats who all voted for this but are not being held accountable for their continued reckless spending.
Revoke and revoke! Nothings need to say more. REVOKE!
Taryntee, nothing I blogged was a personal attack however, you telling me to “untwist my knickers” was definately attacking me “and others” personally and uncalled for. Aren’t we all trying to put an end to hypocracy? It starts at home.
taryntee - Didn’t say you hated them and thought your solution is humane, and even though they take out more than they put in, I think it is important to acknowledge that fact. It’s more complicated than how some have portrayed it, that’s all.
And I agree-
Every company that hires illegals should be fined. Period.
What has done this State in is huge entitlement programs, that no one wants to pay for. Every election, the majority of voters vote “yes” to just about every bond proposal. These are the same people that vote “no” on new taxes. I vote “no” on all of it. Even a moron should know that we have to pay interest on those bonds and eventally pay off the priniciple.
Everyone wants services, and they want someone else to pay for it. The well is dry. We spend over $12 BILLION a year on services and benefits for illegal immigrants. Until we do something about that, we will continue the “death spiral” of this state.
“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money” - Margaret Thatcher……
Our state legislature and governor are sure trying to make that happen. Who is going to pay the bills when businesses and families move to states without an income tax? That’s easy - we just raise taxes again…and again. We can’t consider stopping free education for illegals, can we? We can’t stop giving free health care to illegals, can we? Of course not, we just need to raise taxes - that will fix everything. Don’t stop entitlement programs, just raise taxes.
The story on CNN says the governor (and I use the term loosely) praised the legislature for their hard work. PRAISED! He and they should all be ashamed of themselves! I will never vote for an incumbent running for any CA office again! You are all a disgrace.
Hey Pissed Off, if you are going to be paying $2K MORE per year in taxes you are really making the big bucks. You can afford to live anywhere. Just be prepared to pay more in property taxes. But the gov already pointed out that Republicans can’t do math.
We visited Texas last week to consider moving there. This seals the deal for us. Kiss two productive, successful entrepreneurs goodbye. We are going to where there is no state income tax. Tens of thousands like us will now be leaving. This is what dopes like Heather cannot understand - states cannot get away with raising taxes like the Federal government can because it’s too easy to pack up and move to another state. Sheriff Hutchens also contributed to our decision with her fascist, LA-style anti-gun policies.
This is crazy! I now have to pay an extra $17,000 over the next 5 years in taxes to the state of California!!! California needs to learn to cut spending for the illegals in the state and reform welfare. Guess the state needed the extra money to support unemployed unmarried welfare women who decide to have octuplets to go along with her other 6 children.
I am getting out of California as soon as the economy turns around and I can find a new job elsewhere.
Republicans may not know how to do math, but apparently Democrats only know how to add!
The Republican Party, especially in OC, is now marginalized to the point of total ineffectiveness. The ranting that is going on this blog and talk radio illustrates the intellectual poverty of the California Republican Party. The only hope I can see of reviving our two-party system is open primaries.
Whether we like it or not, all expenditure by the state must be supported by the productive capacity of the state. Otherwise, we will become a banana republic. Some would argue that we are already there. The rate of growth of expenditure for education, health care, prisons, and general social services is much higher than the growth in the productive capacity of the state.
Sooner or later we will have to confront this monster. Name calling by some bloggers will not solve this problem.
California should declare war against Texas, then the state’s Republicans will know how to add.
I do understand. But it’s not MY FAULT. It’s those who have voted for budgets in the last thirty years. How hard is that to understand?
How many of you indignant Republicans voted for Arnold? Where would our state be now if you had voted for Tom McClintock, whom so many that I know said really stood for our core beliefs but Arnold was electable??? Disgusting and disappointing…put a cork in it.
Moving to Texas Neil2112? Texas has nearly the highest property taxes in the nation, much higher than CA. Brush up on math, and maybe some statistics as well.
I had the shock and misfortune to read the State budget settlement today. Budget??? You folks should be embarrassed and should abdicate your positions!
You have driven us Californians to the edge of extinction and have done nothing more then “smoke and mirrors” like a con man at a circus show.
You fail to reduce the programs that must be done such as eliminating medical treatment for undocumented people. There killing our medical system and add significantly to the overcrowding of emergency rooms.
As I near retirement I now plan to leave this over taxed and under integrity State they call California!!!
Hey, here’s an idea maybe we should change the name of California to; Calitaxians or Calispecialinterestians or my favorite; Calinotforthepeople. Think about it!
I voted for Tom!
Maldonado’s web site home page quote:
During his campaign, Abel made very simple promises, “I will never forget where I come from, I will never forget whose money government spends - it’s the people’s money and I will never let the people down.” Abel’s track record has proven that he is a man of his word and there is no doubt that he will keep those promises to the people of California
OOPS !
OMG!!! The stupid-dummyheads of the state did it again! Well, we did vote for them now did’nt we? Leave it to the people of California to keep allowing politicians to sell us bad laws, bad policies, and all the other wonderful things we now have. Jiminy Christmas people! Wake up and start rebelling (peacefully) by doing as Samhell says: Stop paying taxes!!! They are not legal!!! They are for INCOME, not for fair trade or compensation! Hey, Samhell, what do you think of your ALL CAPS name?
It IS your fault. Why is that such a prevalent mentality with people these days. Do you live in this state? Do you vote? Well then, yes, you are also to blame. I wonder if Democrats have any mirrors in their houses…. I doubt it.
Here is the rat’s web site :
http://cssrc.us/web/15/biography.aspx
Please call or email him …a few times each…..he needs to know the meaning of the word integrity
I have absolutely no idea why people seem to be son fascinated with candidates from the two major political parties and refuse to look outside the box and vote for those from other parties. If you want change you have to look at new ideas cause obviously the ideas of the Dems / Republicans are outdated and flawed. I have not voted for a mjor party candidate for a long time …and will not .
You all missed th boat by not voting for Ron Paul in the presidential election. He would have implemented fresh, logical , deductive , researched and informed decisions that would them opne the ideas of the people as to hwat they should expect from state and local leaders
If ANY of you vote for ANY major party candidateor ANY incumbent in ANY election you should be ashamed of yourself. When wil you realize you are sheep being led to slaughter?? How much will it take ?
You all who voted for any of these creeps made your bed ………
Does anyone know how much the prisons and parole system are costing us? Anyone, anyone? Why are we cutting billions from school budgets, senior care, and at the same time raising taxes while at the same time we give UNION prison guards raises? Why do we keep passing more and more laws that crowd the prisons? Why are state workers of anykind allowed to have a union? But, we let them do it….
do they really think they did the people of california a favor…they should all look into the mirror and then quit their job…and arnold should also quit his…he thought it was easy to run california…now, he’s in trouble…he should also get a pink slip…
I guess the only thing to do is tell California GOODBYE!! I, like others will take my happy self and my business to Arizona or Utah. I don’t know their tax situation, but it certainly must be an improvement! So to California, I stick out my tongue and say, “pththththththththththth”! : p
Anyone care to join me?
neversurprised: You said it! Not sure why people think there are only two parties and any vote for something else is “throwing your vote away”. I can’t count how many people I’ve discussed politics with who’s ideals seem right in line with the Libertarian party but then still vote for one of the big two so they don’t “throw their vote away” or have to vote for the “lesser evil”. That is a childish mentality. People died to ensure our ability to vote for exactly what we want, not the lesser of evils.
Heather,
It is instructive that you are actually defending California’s budget growing by 2% above inflation EVERY year for the past decade. Just curious if you spend 2% more than your raise make every year? If you do, how is that working out for you?
In the real-world, we can only spend what we make. Why do you not insist on the laws of economics applying to our esteemed legistlators?
Maldonado states: “Nonpartisan primaries would eventually prevent late budgets by electing more reasonable lawmakers.” I could agree more. Bring in the moderates, flush out the extremists of both parties. I’m sick of them all.
Sam - Not sure where you live, but I live in Orange County, where Democrats don’t run for State office with any chance of winning. So, I didn’t vote all those Democrats into office. I have a mirror and I am a proud progressive. Clinton came out of office with a SURPLUS. Democrat doesn’t mean fiscially irresponsible as all those right wing pundits and radio hosts say. California’s budget problem has been brewing for decades and we do the same damn thing, slap a bandaid on it and hope for the best.
You can blame me all you want but it wont’ fix one damn thing.
“Here we go…”
May I remind everyone that Arnold Shwarzenegger promised to “fix” the budget. He said he’d “blow up the boxes,” by reviewing the budget line-by-line. Since many of you probably didn’t vote FOR his propositions in 2005, which would have helped, he lost faith and just went with the flow. Now it seems he’s showing his true colors. Had people known what he would’ve done, he wouldn’t have gotten elected.
So, the legislature votes for the budget with tax increases during one of the biggest recessions in 75 years; Smart thinking!
Big wake up call to the electorate. Time to take a stand!!! Me and others have been out there on the street trying to get you to wake up. Do you believe there’s a problem with government yet?!?!? Do you understand that voting for the “incumbent” is a bad idea yet?!?! Ignore the Party rhetoric about someone not being electable. Vote for the most principled person you can. If you all do this, you’ll end up with the best candidate.
Reregister as Independent or Libertarian, and take action to turn our state around. The disfunctional government we’ve got now in Sacramento is shameful!!!
Rob L - I’m not defending, I’m rebutting the lies that the state budget has DOUBLEd in the last ten years. It’s just not true. It’s grown yes but not doubled.
And I don’t know what you read, but it’s an annual rate of .2 percent, not 2 percent, a huge difference, like by TEN TIMES. I don’t know how much flatter that can get, but it’s much closer to zero then 50 percent.
Sam….I have had the same conversation with friends about them not voting for 3rd party candidates because “they are throwing away their vote ”
The simply answer to that is that they then remain part of the problem instead of becoming part of the solution.
Many “sheep” tried to tell the American colonists who fought the American Revolution that a small group of steadfast, honest ,freedom seeking people couldn’t make a difference…thank god they didn’t listen
Well, today I start aiding the recession even further by doing my absolute best to stop spending on anything taxable. Eating out? Not in California until the sales tax goes back down. Groceries at the store are nontaxable. New car? Forget it. Large screen TV? Buy before the sales tax rate actually goes up. Fortunately I am in a business that takes me out of state often and I can eat out plenty and not have to give the in-my-opinion worthless piles of rubbish in Sacramento taxes on food. They can assess excise/use tax on tangible goods that are brought into CA but they can’t force me to pay sales tax on meals that I eat out of state.
Heather: It may surprise you but I agree with you there. I blame you along with everyone else, including myself. We could have (and should have) done better. I’m not sure what you mean by “progressive”. Most “progressives” I know are actually pushing for an archaic system of government control and income redistribution rather than the newer ideas of freedom, libertarianism, or even objectivism. To me that seems rather regressive.
Maybe, just maybe, if the Republicans had actual presented a counter proposal, or alternative plan, they might have gotten public support for it and gotten it passed.
Truth is, it is easy to cry no new taxes and hold your breath until you turn blue, but unless you have a proposed solution you are just a spoiled child.
I have been a republican my whole life. I thought Ronald Reagan was the greatest president since Teddy Roosevelt. Unfortunately the party has gone down the drain, and all they do is complain without putting forth anything intelligent as a solution. I am ready for a change.
Look where all our Reps. are from………LA and San Fran where all the Illegalls and poor….their Dems want to give more “hand outs” to them and we the hard working class have again taken the burden.
here is Maldonado’s website, contact him and let him know we’re pissed!
http://cssrc.us/web/15/contact_us.aspx
The issue of highest taxation in the nation must be addressed in light of what is fair and moral. If the business community needs cheap labor from foreign lands then let it pay for their education, health care and social services. If the Democratic party needs a new crop of voters who can not provide for themselves then the Democratic party needs to raise funds and take care of their needs. Why is it fair and moral for me to pay for services for people who are not even supposed to be here in the first place.
sad indeed;
Lou Carrera is a career politician and on the apron strings of
Labor unions especially CSEA. He has made many promises
of no tax hikes and look what he agreed on. The school Districts
need to control costs in house and start by eliminateing
worthless positions both certified and classified and adjusting
salarys for all administrators. Lou your day will come when the
career politicians will be gone and only value serving politicians
will be elected.
S.W. Cramer 3rd
Society of Secrets Member
Neo-Tech Party
I like this quote from the article…..“This morning represents the single longest session in Senate history — 45 hours,”
Yeah, god forbid those lazy good for nothing beaurocrats should actually work for a living. I, for one, really appreciate all the intensely difficult “work” these elected officials did to get my taxes raised so that I can continue the trend of working for less, just to pay more. Viva California!!!
“If the business community needs cheap labor from foreign lands then let it pay for their education, health care and social services”
I don’t get this logic. Why must a business pay for all that extra stuff? They already do with American workers, that is why they hire illegals. How about we remove all the red tape from the businesses and make it viable again for them to actually hire a local American workforce.
Maldonado better switch to being a Democrat. I will NEVER vote for him for any office as a Republican. No Republican who votes to rip off California taxpayers will ever get my vote in the future.
The FBI needs to investigate Hackramento. The Mob obviously runs the state now. The worker unions have all the power now and we all know unions are run by the Mob.
This is a disgrace. As a young 25 year-old Republican, I have no more faith in California’s politicians. Raise taxes California???? When we have the most undocumented workers in this country!! I would of took the gas tax instead. This state is a freakin circus!!!
Just re-registered as an Independent. No more GOP after this. They are completely worthless!
Here is the telephone number of the Registrar of Voters: 714-567-7600. Democrats and Republicans alike call today and order a change of party affiliation form. Your families will pay, on average, $1400 more in taxes for at least the next 5 years. Become an ‘Independent’. Send a message. $1400 dollars, folks! $7000 for the next 5 years! The tax code doesn’t discriminate. Dems and Pubs are taxed at the same rates. Nadya Suleman, Octo-mom, was seen shopping at Nordstoms today. Shopping with your tax dollars. She won’t get hit with a benefit reduction. Nope. Her stipend will increase and you will pay for it. All of you should be absolutely livid! Call today. (714) 567-7600! Order your change of party affiliation form now!
Heather posted:
“Total state spending over the decade 1998-99 through 2008-09 … Total spending grows over this period from $72.6 billion to $128.8 billion…”
My math: $72.6B X 0.7741 = $56.2B (that’s 77.41% !!)
Budget was $72.6B + $56.2B (77.41% increase) = $128.8 Billion!!!
I’d say it’s time for a “change.”
A Special election may be coming in the months ahead related to the budget, and other propositions. Get your registration taken care of ASAP, so you’ll be ready to vote.
Wasteful spending absolutely needs to be addressed. However, most of us tax-paying citizens know someone who is receiving government funds: medicare, social security, disability, unemployment, medicaid, etc. If it weren’t for our taxes and government entitlement programs most of us would have a financial dilemma: Do I sacrifice my own hard-earned income so I can help my aging parents, relatives, friends who are no longer able to support themselves? Pre-Depression era families financially took care of their own. Great in theory.
I have friends and relatives (U.S. citizens) who are benefiting from these government programs. I never hear them complain about receiving money from entitlement programs.
This discussion is just way to funny! LMAO Are we not ALL to blame here? We voted for them, they supposedly answer to us but we never ask for answers. LMAO I LOVE what is happening here! Maybe we should execute all Democrats because they are liberal or maybe we should execute all republicans because they are obstructionists. LMAO way to funny, the state is going down in flames and all people do is argue and b!#$% instead of act. I personaly do not care what happens to this state at this point, I like many other am heading east where making a living isnt being penalized and where people get things done instead of bicker.
….and another thing ….not only are our dollars going to pay benefits to people who are not supposed to be here, but why when i call any government office or bank do i have to hear ” to proceed in English press 1″ . I thought English was our language…why do i have to push a button to request to continue speaking it. Shouldn’t those who are here and don’t speak it have to push a button and select an alternative?
I have absolutely nothing against legal immigration…it’s what formed this country. I have a big problem with illegal immigration. Try going to a foreign land and being allowed to stay without proper documentation.They can’t put up a wall/ fence/ crocodile filled moat big enough for my liking
I see the OCR reported that Miguel Vargas was arrested for stabbing his girlfriend to death in Placentia. HE WAS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT! I wonder how many of our taxdollar he scammed while living in america? How many millions just like him are taking our taxdollars while our polticians impose a $14 BILLION dollar tax increase on us that will cost the average family $1400 a year for AT LEAST 5 more years! Nadya Suleman was seen shopping at Nordstroms today. No joke! Probably spending your taxdollars at Nordstoms! ha! The system is completely out of control! The rule breakers are being rewarded while the rule followers are being punished! How can a society with such rules survive? IT CAN’T! Contact the Registrar of Voters today and get a change of party affiliation form. Become and ‘Independent’. Do your part to save California today! (714) 567-7600!
Wow. Late to party again.
On the off chance anyone wants real numbers:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/Advice/TheBestAndWorstStatesForTaxes.aspx?page=2
and quiting a party means you don’t get a party vote in a primary…anyone notice Maldonado’s election tweaks?
thanks for the morning chuckles……
I’m a Democrat. I despise the Republican recalcitrance of recent weeks. Having said that, here are some ideas that I hope Orange County Republicans will support:
1) Make it abundantly, incontrovertibly clear that selling someone a Social Security card is a felony and carries a $20,000 fine per occurrence (invest in a substantial advertising campaign);
2) Make it clear that submitting an illegally-obtained Social Security number/card in an attempt to gain work or public services is a felony and carries a $15000 fine (invest in a substantial advertising campaign);
3) Provide a $10,000 reward for the first valid tattletale on each felonious Social Security card seller and/or user to encourage rat-outs - money paid upon conviction or plea bargain (again publicize this broadly);
4) Fine companies $15,000 per employee hired without submittal of fully-completed Social Security paperwork;
5) Fine individuals $5000 per each home-based worker (childcare, gardening, pool cleaning, whatever) hired without submittal of fully-completed Social Security paperwork.
6) Fine companies $25,000 per occurrence for under-the-table cash payments or keeping double books where the real pay is not what’s on paper.
7) Require signatures on all building permits stating under penalty of perjury that labor laws, including eligiblity to work, will be followed fully on the requested construction job.
“The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.”
~ Mark Twain~
Woodbridge18 - Our problem isn’t the people getting Social Security or any of the regular assistance. There are two huge problems in this state. First, illegal aliens. The other is state workers.
Illegal aliens are bleeding us dry. They give nothing to us but take plenty of taxes. Our schools are burdened with dealing with them.
As for state workers, they average 43% more pay than someone in the private sector to do the same type of job. Why are they so special? We need to put an end to these two problems. If we do the state won’t have a problem at all.
“This discussion is just way to funny! LMAO Are we not ALL to blame here?”
Leave me out of your wacky world. I didn’t vote for one single one of these crackpots. I won’t take the blame for them. The people who voted the Democrats into power can all take the blame. Thanks for nothing. Most of them steal our tax money too.
“To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.” -Thomas Jefferson, 1779
tax breaks for the rich do not work
trickle down economics do not work
giving tax cuts in good times and raising taxes in bad times does not work
we need a uniform policy
we need to repeal prop 13
we need a proper corporate tax
we need to stop with all the extra fees and random charges to the taxpayers, it should be a simple tax system
EVERYONE needs to proportionally pitch in their fair share.
All benefits, etc should only be for citizens and legal residents
citizen oversight committees made up of professionals from various segments of society to oversee the government coffers
Brian fine and dandy, I suppose you are one that dosnt vote, so if that is the case keep your comments to yourself as you gave up your right to b!@## about government. Because in your own words ” I didn’t vote for one single one of these crackpots” one would have to conclude that because all of these senators and reps are crackpots, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, you did not vote at all.
Even communist countries have a flat tax. Make no mistake, America is becoming very communist. Just ask anyone who fled a communist country to escape communism. No, we aren’t completely there yet, but we are well on our way. I know a few people who once believed in the dream of America and once they got here and realized what was going on they want to go back home since it was really no different, and somewhat more free now that we have all this homeland security anti-freedom crap.
toxincut - You DO realize there are more candidates on the ballots that are NOT Democrat or Republican don’t you? Are you sure YOU vote?
I was, until this morning, in the midst of purchasing a new car; however, with the fee increases doubling, I will continue to put money into my older car. People will now buy fewer cars and the state will receive reduced revenues. It was certainly an anti-stimulus vote.
A budget passes, taxes increase, and yet nothing is done to improve the way the state actually runs its business. Throughout CA, there are parents living in inner cities, where public schools have graduation rates of less than 50% and parks are less safe than prisons, and yet they are now forced to pay MORE for those “services”. Before any money is spent, the state should have been reviewing every program or service that received government funding. Then, report on each of them clearly and concisely online for the taxpayers. Which are successful, which need to be repaired, and which are beyond repair.
The problem is, the politicians know they can always demand more money from the public. If any didn’t believe that, they certainly do now. The only way to end the madness is to cut off the pipeline.
http://www.canthelottery.com. Feed the hungry, not the beast!
We need to make the government create a website so we can track where all our tax dollars are being spent. And us taxpayer should be able to vote on upper government workers salaries, and whether or not they get a bonus or a raised. We should be in control of our tax dollars since we are paying for it. Why should they have the right to determine their pay? They work for us….we don’t work for them……
I would rather see an increase in gas tax or sales tax rather than an income tax. A sales and gas tax increase would affect everyone who buys. An income tax increase only affects those who work and have taxes taken out of their pay. The ones who are paid in cash will not be affected by an increase in income tax. Once again, the honest workers are paying for the slugs. The more money we pay in income taxes equals less money to spend on anything else. How will this help stimulate California’s economy? California is done.
toxincut has a problem with deductive reasoning and is the kind of person I was warned about interacting with…….
“Never enter into a discussion with an idiot…they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience”
Just a note to all those repubs who are angry. Don’t forget it was the Democratic house and senate who pushed the bills and 3 weak kneed Repubs agreed to it. Don’t condemn all, for the deeds of a few. Maybe the Repbublicans, less the three wimps, can use this to get back on track. Don’t give up yet, or we all lose. (Lose more than we already have).
mormancay, you are so wrong about Prop 13. The average California home turns over every 3.3 years. At the time of the sale, the tax goes up to current standard. Don’t use the Prop 13 issue as a crutch to say we need more taxes.
It will be interesting to see if property tax bills GO DOWN with housing prices dropping like a rock. My guess is that they won’t.
Your property tax can go down if your house values go down but you have to get it appraised and submitted to the city. People just think the taxes will decrease on their own…
Good point Samhell. It’s about taking personal responsibility.
HEY GUYS YOU KEEP BASHING THE REPUBLICANS….MY COUNT IS ALL THE LIBERALS JUST FOREVER SOLD US DOWN THE THIRD WORLD TOILET THANK YOU PUKES…DEMO’S SUCK!!!
Can’t we all just get along?
Property taxes aren’t the issue with Prop 13. The problem the legislature has with prop 13 is that they cannot raise taxes with a 50% + 1 vote. The best thing we have is the 2/3 rule. That said, the one dissenting vote was turned to meet the standard and now taxes are heading higher.
But this isn’t so bad. Think about it. The democrats run the state and are supposed to be the party of the little guy, right? You know, the disenfranchised, discriminated, disadvantaged. But what do they do? Raise the taxes that hit them the most: sales tax, vehicle tax, cigarette tax, liquor tax…
The democrats are not the progressive party at all, more regressive in my opinion.
Californian’s are already ripped off beyond all sense of reality by a non-representative government. The nature of California Politicians is like the crooked politicians in Louisiana.
When I retire, I’m leaving the state. Anyplace would be better than California.
Man the only thing more disgusting then these politicians is the worthless media that regurgitates their double speak and outright easily proven lies. I love most how they speak (politicians) as if they done us such a wonderful gift by raising our already to high taxes even higher.
Schwarzenegger is the biggest lying clown of them all! When will we get rid of every single incumbent regardless of party! They sure don’t represent us eitherway.
Loufca, the average home turnover rate in California is 11.4 years, it used to be 13.2 years. I assume you are one of the speculators who helped create his housing bubble which popped, if so then yes every 3.2 years would make sense in regard to Prop 13th., but it does not happen that way.
How did I say we need more taxes? Clearly you missed something.
” It is refreshing to have an Orange County resident who can present another side to California’s budget problems.”
what “other side” would that be. we (THE middle class of this state) are paying all of our hard earned dollars toward welfare for the lazy, incompetent, or illegitimate (those illegally here).
the rest are going to schools which produce absolutely zero results. seriously, I don’t get it. what “other side” am I not seeing???
finally people are realizing how useless the Republican party has become…remember the party use to be about fiscal conservatism now its about moral agendas and greed…interesting combo
MAIL my registration to vote? what kind of ridiculous inefficient system is this. it’s funny (not funny haha, funny sad), the CA SOS apparently never heard of a computer.
“Clinton came out of office with a SURPLUS. Democrat doesn’t mean fiscially irresponsible as all those right wing pundits and radio hosts say.”
do the math again. the “end” number was based on projections after 10 years, not after the 8 when he left office. it also didn’t include the actual effects of the dot-com crash
Count me in with those who are turning in their Republican cards….
Where do I sign up for the ‘Conservative Party’??
“And I don’t know what you read, but it’s an annual rate of .2 percent, not 2 percent, a huge difference, like by TEN TIMES. I don’t know how much flatter that can get, but it’s much closer to zero then 50 percent.”
we have fewer people than we did. we have less business being conducted. we have a smaller tax base. this has been happening since the housing bubble started to burst (2006).
we should have been spending LESS not MORE all along. crying wolf now by reducing spending by a small amount is too little, too late.
I strongly oppose this budget, but honestly it won’t affect me at all. The frustrating part is you know it will be the same story next year and the next for more and more money until there are too little producers of tax revenue and too many consumers of government services and the whole thing implodes. We haven’t solved anything. We keep pushing out the date for a real solution and at the same time exponentially increasing the consequences once we are forced to reform the state government.
The recall proceedings have already begun. We need EVERYONE to get involved in order to make this work. Failure is NOT an option here folks, it’s go time. There will be more info as we move forward.
http://www.kfiam640.com/pages/johnandkenshow/
http://recallmaldonado.com/
Hey HBgeek, what you’re forgetting is that a $3 million house here in Newport costs only about $500k in San Antonio. 2.8% of $500k is a whole lot less than 1.5% of $3M. Oh and no Mello Roos either. Go back to 3rd grade math, dope.
I’ll sleep better tonight knowing all the illegal aliens and welfare recipients will be properly cared for. Can’t wait to get the bill for my car registration. No new car for me this year.
How do you suggest we spend less as Californians vote more and more bond initiatives? We have had three strikes, more prisoners, bonds that we need to pay for. It’s amazing it’s stayed as flat as it is.
I’m trying to point out that it’s a longer term problem that can’t be solved by a short term budget. Both parties are to blame and voters want to spend, spend and spend but don’t make me pay.
Share responsibility means a shared burden. I’m trying to point out that it’s more complicated than just State workers (Who get trashed all the time, I wouldn’t want to actually to work for the State and just because they get paid a fair wage doesn’t meant it’s wrong. The PRIVATE sector has failed the middle class worker and we’ve taken it because Private companies can do no wrong either. Both are flawed). It’s more complicated than undocumented workers, which is an issue that’s never been properly addressed by either party.
Whats so complicated about it? If money in != money out, you stop spending it. You don’t extort to get more money, that is criminal. The same any normals persons budget… Don’t they teach this stuff in the schools we pay for?
Of course, but both are responsible for not saving money for a rainy day fund, just as you do in a household. If we had not cut taxes a few years ago, we would not have this issue. It is simple but the downturn in the economy and the housing crisis is what has cut revenues by such a huge percentage, it’s not just SPENDING. It’s not just black and white.
Both sides should be held accoutable for that but everyone just wants to scream about paying taxes. That solves nothing. They ran their house badly and did not save in case of emergency.
That’s not complicated is it?