Posted on 02/16/2009 6:52:18 PM PST by freedumb2003
From Sacramento -- The math seems pretty simple. But apparently it's too rigorous for many Republican politicians.
To avoid raising taxes and still balance the books in Sacramento, you'd have to virtually shut down state government.
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The basics: The state has a projected $41-billion deficit through June 30, 2010. It's almost out of cash. Bills are not getting paid. Tax refunds aren't being mailed. Construction work is stopped. Bonds can't be sold.
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(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
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Mr. Skelton's math is typical of "liberal math." No matter what, nothing can be cut. And to prove it, he establishes a straw man of a few areas intstead of looking at California's expenditures in their totality.
At one time the State was flush with money. Rather than apply the surplus at that time to direct projects (roads, bridges, etc.,), our legislature, with the complicity of the Governor at the time, created social programs that run forever.
The formula to a Balanced Budget is quite simple:
The first thing to do is roll back every non-federally funded program enacted since the State was in the black. If a program has matching funds and the State is on the hook for more than the match -- toss it.
The second thing to do is eliminate every single California program that is identical to a Federal program but does not have the restriction of being a citizen. Every single shadow program (there are, for example, many medical programs) should be immediately dropped.
Next, go to court and enforce Proposition 187.
Finally, decrease taxes, especially on "the rich." Your boogeyman, "the rich" (let's assume the top 10% of income are the "evil rich"), pays 65-70% of all taxes. Chasing the evil rich out of the State will end up with reduced "revenue."
The budget can be balanced if you follow these simple (but politically bold) ideas.
But I know you won't do this, so here is an object lesson for you and your like.
I am leaving California (after living here my entire life).
I won't stay where I am not wanted and my contribution is not appreciated, but is derided. And, as one of those top 10%-ers, you are losing quite a bit of revenue (to Texas, if you want to know).
But wait! There's more! I have no children, so I put no strain on the school system. I put 3,000 miles a year on my car so I put little strain on the physical infrastructure.
From my rough calculation, it will take 20 median incomes to make up for my loss (due to the "progressive" tax policies). But if you add to the fact that each additional income-earner puts more strain on the infrastructure, nether I nor (I assume) Mr. Skelton have the math skills to find the break-even point.
If I can vote with my feet, so can and will many others. Revenue will go DOWN and then what will you do, Mr. Skelton? Raise taxes again and then stampede what few major businesses that hung on this cycle?
Liberal math -- it isn't for the reality-based.
I hope you sent him an email of this post.
Deport illegal aliens enmasse. Cutback on welfare, govt workers pensions, crazy liberal regulations, etc etc and you may balance the budgets.
The CA GOP should have tough.
We're about to see (again) what happens when voters continue to vote themselves benefits when the money isn't there to pay for it.
The State budget has grown 40% in the last 4 years and this bozo says nothing can be cut.
This is why MANY in this state need to be tried, and hanged in the public square.
Great response. A piece of friendly advice: cover your license plates with mud until you (quickly) get your Texas plates and don’t ever tell your new friends or neighbors where you came from.
Survey USA has shown that most Californians agree with you.
Do you think a 1% increase in the state sales tax would be fair? or unfair?
Fair 41% Unfair 52%
Next, an additional 12 cents per gallon tax on gasoline?
Fair 12% Unfair 87%
Doubling the vehicle registration fee.
Fair 9% Unfair 84%
Last, increasing the state income tax rates by up to 5%?
Fair 19% Unfair 65%
>>I hope you sent him an email of this post.
You betcha! george.skelton@latimes.com
I can’t wait to see if he has the stones to respond.
>>Great response. A piece of friendly advice: cover your license plates with mud until you (quickly) get your Texas plates and don’t ever tell your new friends or neighbors where you came from.
Gonna sell the old cars, the old furniture, everything. A whole start in Grapevine (or thereabouts).
The timing ends up being *yesh* next June. I like Texas, but the Mrs. hasn’t experienced Texas Summers (I have had 4 or 5 by now).
But she is 100% in board.
Great post and link!
Thanks!
If I were broke I’d give up everything not absolutely necessary. Our California legislature refuses to even consider similar state cuts. Personally I have no problem with bare bones cuts everywhere. If it means no service or slower service so be it. I’d understand because I know we’re broke. Close the schools if need be. Lay off the professors, lay off legislature staffs, lay off in areas never before touched for cuts like the court system. Let the state cars age. Stop the purchase of new furniture and cars and trucks. Cut cut cut but stop giving us this crap that the world will end if we cut spending. I’m sick of hearing that while the state employee base increases year and year after year. It’s especially irritating when I haven’t seen a single proposal to address the illegal alien drain on our budget from every direction. Sanctuary cities proudly proclaim their status while our state is near bankruptcy. And finally the best fix we voters could come up with is to vote these jerks out of office. If you’re unsure who to vote for then just vote for the one who is not presently holding office (incumbent ) Get rid of the whole bunch.
Good for you guys. Good luck and God bless!
Good for you guys. Good luck and God bless!
If he does, please post it!
>>If I were broke I’d give up everything not absolutely necessary
As long as it is OPM* ain’t gonna happen
(*OPM=Other People’s Money)
The “we need to do what households do” analogy fails almost immediately.
There is NO COST to them personally if the State goes bankrupt. Heck, they will even get RE-ELECTED, no matter what! And many of them are wealthy in their own right — what the hell do they care?
If you go broke, you choose between eating, your CHILDREN eating, or things like designer clothing and looking cool.
“The math seems pretty simple. But apparently it’s too rigorous for many Republican politicians.
To avoid raising taxes and still balance the books in Sacramento, you’d have to virtually shut down state government. “
He talks like this is a big problem.
Let the Democrat majority figure out a solution and if they cant hak it, they should resign en masse and let the Republicans have a go.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Just for the historical shout-out...
Then figure out what to do with all that money there's no state income tax levied on...
Welcome to Texas! Nice post.
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