Posted on 11/21/2008 9:35:31 AM PST by goldstategop
Seems that Governor Schwarzenegger wants to help out his old Hollywood friends with millions of dollars in tax breaks. He makes a case that lower taxes on film and television companies will reverse the trend of runaway production. Currently, California is losing out to at least 40 other states and Canada that are luring away production companies with very attractive tax incentives.
Five years ago, 66% of feature film production took place in California. Last year this was reduced to just 31% and the governor wants to help an industry that supports about 250,000 employees.
While a non-critical evaluation might make this tax cut seem a good idea -- encourage a major business to remain in our state and retain taxpaying employees -- it is coming from the same governor who is supporting tax increases on all Californians.
The average taxpayer looks at the lesson of runaway Hollywood production and draws an entirely different conclusion. They see just one more example, out of many, of high California taxes driving business, jobs and taxpayers out of state. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the state is suffering a massive net out-migration of citizens to other states. In most cases, those leaving also represent a loss of jobs and taxpayers who are vital to supporting state and local services.
The governor would be wise to reexamine a tax policy that creates some winners -- like his Hollywood friends -- and many losers, i.e., ordinary California taxpayers. If we can afford to give entertainment companies a tax break, how about a break for all businesses and taxpayers? If a tax break for production companies will keep them here, why not apply the same principle to all and not only encourage native businesses and taxpayers to remain in the state, but encourage new business and taxpaying citizens to relocate here?
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.
A few months ago, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of Utah legislators. When the subject of the California Legislature came up, they began to chuckle. They explained that they credited California lawmakers, with their anti-business policies, as a significant asset in getting businesses to relocate to their state.
It is time for the Legislature and the governor to take off their blinders and recognize that California is rapidly losing the competition with other states. Higher taxes that Sacramento politicians are pushing would make us even less competitive. If they want to grow the economy, put people back to work and ultimately increase revenues to government they need to move in the opposite direction.
A tax cut would go a long way toward polishing the image of the now tarnished Golden State. The Hollywood example has already shown businesses will respond to an attractive tax climate. Why not go on the offensive and be among the first states to make businesses an offer they can't refuse? A tax cut for all would be the quickest way to lift us from the grip of recession.
“When I told Ben that we were looking to relocate and were considering North Carolina he raised his glass and said: ‘Good. We’ll turn that red state blue in no time.’”
Same is happening here in VA, having been infested by libs from the northeast and DC. They’ve successfully turned a once-reliable red state into deep blue. Too bad.
LOL! I moved to Reno, NV from LA, CA in Fall of 2001. I still crack up at all the bumper stickers here that say....'We Don't Care How You Did It In California!" ;)
The problem is.....NV went blue in this election so we are at Commie Alert Defcon 5+ now....
Your problem is all the CA migrants to Clark County (Las Vegas). Up where you are at it is still Red.
lol...I checked my handi dandy weather site...Looks like about 37 in your neck of the woods right now, going down to about 24 degrees tonight...I didn't think winter started until December?
I don't think my ice box is that cold...
Supposed to be about 77, today here. A little chilly, but we'll do our best.
ok by me. I’m in Socal for now. 2.5 yrs then I can retire and get the hell out of here.
Same thing for Nevada, IMO.
A modification of that “income tax” criteria might be a state with a reasonably low income tax, but with low _other_ taxes, such as property taxes.””
Amen: Long after we are working actively, and no longer paying “income taxes”, we will be paying property taxes.
That is my highest criteria.
I also looked at the red/blue map for Nov 4th, and saw alot of areas where it was strongly RED.
There is a good argument for splitting Oregon and Washington into East and West too.”
Also Nevada into North and South.
If you all wouldn't mind... just don't stop in Texas. We've got enough freaks in Austin that think they are the new San Francisco. Each year, more and more of the freaks think that government is the solution. Especially around our universities.
for all you yankees and kalifornicators, this is Texas
Any photos like this are FAKE!!!
God Bless America... and God Blessed Texas
Your last picture made me thank God for making such an incredibly beautiful woman.
Washoe county went Blue in the final count..... (barf!!!)
I moved away from MA 20 years ago for the same reason: taxes. But now I have moved away from NH because all those people from MA have forgotten why they left that pit in the first place. They are turning NH into MA. Of course, compared to CA, NH must be wonderful. Enjoy it while it lasts.
And now someone here in CA government is kicking around the idea of a “departure tax” or “exit tax” for high wage earners and businesses who leave the state. Guess they want to capitalize on taxes they might have received from these people if they’d stayed.
Just as soon as I can! which is not soon enough for me. Puke. I hate this lousy state.
Is the City Center edifice going to be completed or abandoned?
Why, Mr. Jeeves... :) Congratulations with your new company!
I live in Los Angeles. If Walter Moore doesn’t become mayor next March, we are moving out of CA.
The Dem goons run it, top to bottom...
2-year olds with a wallet...
4L
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.