Hundreds of government employees have received payouts of over $100,000 for unused vacation time when they retire. One even received in excess of $800,000. This is yet another example of lavish benefits received by bureaucrats while taxpayers foot the bill.

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California jumped to 45th highest in energy costs (where 51st is worst) in 2010. The state government estimates moving forward with implementation of the AB 32 energy tax will result in another 14% increase in energy prices. With unemployment at record highs, Californians may want to consider suspending any efforts to raise energy prices further.

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In the wake of the economic downturn, 17 states have scaled back on public pension benefits in the last two years. But according to an article on CalPensions.com, California legislators lack the political willpower to make these necessary cuts. With pressure mounting to reduce the state deficit, public employee pensions could be a hot button issue in the governor's race.

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After accusing her political rival Steve Poizner of undercutting Prop. 13 with support for a recent bond measure, GOP candidate Meg Whitman won the endorsement of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association. These twin events show the continued importance of Prop. 13 to the California governor’s race, writes columnist Cathleen Decker in The Los Angeles Times.

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