2010 HJTA Legislative Report Card

Our report card is designed to help Californians gauge how their state representatives are actually performing on taxpayer-related issues. For the 2010 legislative season, 18 bills were used to evaluate and grade voting records. A good number of these bills deal with tax increases - often masquerading as fees -- or direct assaults on Proposition 13 and Proposition 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act. Others deal with measures that would inhibit the voters' ability to engage in the initiative process that is so important to taxpayers.

For this evaluation to be as fair and non-partisan as possible, we have given half-credit for all vote abstentions on bills that would increase the burden on taxpayers. We understand that it can be difficult for lawmakers to resist pressure from legislative leadership and special interest lobbyists, and have chosen to acknowledge this by giving partial credit.

The 2010 scores reflect what a difficult and partisan legislative year it was. A majority of legislators in both houses received a score of D or F. At the top end of the scale, only 18 legislators received 'A' grades. Of these there were five members who received perfect score of 100% for 2010. Assemblyman Ted Gaines deserves special mention. He has now received a perfect score twice, continuing his strong reputation as a solid defender of taxpayers.

For any additional questions about our methodology and scoring system, please email Legislative Director David Wolfe at: david@hjta.org

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NOTE:
Senators Benoit, Cox, Oropeza, Maldonado and Wiggins did not receive votes due to death in office, ongoing health issues or appointment to an office outside the Legislature

Assemblymembers Blakeslee and Emmerson were elected to fill Senate seats during 2010. Any Senate votes they took have been included in their Assembly scores.

Assembly Member Mike Gatto was elected in a Special Election to finish the term of Paul Krekorian. Due to the timing of this election, Mr. Gatto's vote totals may be fewer then his peers

Assemblywoman Audra Strickland and Senator Mimi Walters missed numerous votes due to health and personal issues. Their grades are not an accurate reflection of their sterling records on behalf of taxpayers.

Due to a change in our position, only the final legislative Floor votes on AB 1718 (Blumenfield) are included.