The contest between Democrats on who can damage their state the most has heated up with an unprecedented entry by California Democrats. More than matching New York’s giant “*@#*you gram” to tax payers, they proceeded to raise their bet by also sending a “*@#*you gram”to the California Constitution as well.
Under the Democrats whopping $9.4 billion tax hike, taxpayers will be slugged with higher sales tax, income tax, and oil severance tax and a 39 cent per gallon gas fee (replacing the current excise tax and effectively adding 13 cents per gallon to the price of fuel)
Using legalistic sophistry and creative interpretations light years from original intent, they claim they are allowed to do this DESPITE it having being blocked in congress. In doing so, they have chosen to blatantly disregard the California Constitution which clearly states “any changes in state taxes enacted for the purpose of increasing revenues…must require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature”.
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet and a tax grab called a fee increase still reeks of of putrid stench of corrupt big government putting special interests and lobbyists above the interests of taxpayers. Changing the name does not change the nature. Call it what you will, this IS a tax grab, this WILL hurt California, and this IS unconstitutional.
By caving into tax-and spend lobbyists and proposing this, California democrats have only ensured that, if passed, the state will spend millions defending – and ultimately losing – a legal appeal. Hurting taxpayers even more.
Both houses of the Legislature are now scheduled to meet at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday to debate the plan. All California taxpayers should be calling their legislators now and expressing their outrage and this sickening legal maneuvering.
UPDATE: The California State Assembly passed the unconstitutional tax-hike, but Gov. Schwarzenegger announced it will be vetoed. More posts to come as this story develops. Stay tuned!
Found on Friends of American for Tax Reform
