Our government officials seem to be living in a fantasy world. Facing a potential $28 billion shortfall over the next two years, the response by the governor and most in the Legislature is to seek to raise taxes while begging Washington for a bailout. Don't be surprised if their next plan is to have the state invest tax proceeds in lottery tickets in the hope of striking it rich.  Read more >>

Californians like to think of themselves as leading the way for the rest of the nation. When it comes to taxes, we do. Our state has the highest income and sales taxes in the nation. We have the highest business taxes west of the Mississippi. When it comes to providing a healthy climate for business, several studies show we are leading the way to the bottom.  Read more >>

It is no surprise that fiscal conservatives in California are appalled at the breathtaking assault on taxpayers proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both activists and elected leaders -- usually Republicans -- have responded with either derision or laughter (with perhaps some expletives mixed in).  Read more >>

It is no secret that finding new ways to evade the expressed will of the people who, by passing Propositions 13 and 218, overwhelmingly stated their conviction that they should have the final say on their own taxation, is a cottage industry for lawyers toiling on behalf of cities, counties and special districts.  Read more >>

The day before Halloween, Governor Schwarzenegger announced the formation of a bipartisan Commission on the 21st Century Economy to re-examine and modernize California's out-of-date revenue gathering laws that contribute to the boom and bust state budget cycles. In order to be a viable process it must be fair, transparent and taxpayer interests must be fully represented.  Read more >>