Dear Editor,
In the ’70s, California taxpayers revolted and Proposition 13
was enthusiastically passed by the people. Taxes were too high and
government spending was out of control.
Dear Editor,
In the ’70s, California taxpayers revolted and Proposition 13 was enthusiastically passed by the people. Taxes were too high and government spending was out of control.
Property taxes were escalating, which resulted in property owners paying more and renters paying higher rents. Until then, the property tax rate could be raised with only a 51 percent majority instead of 67 percent as required now. California’s legislature is currently and overwhelmingly made up of Democrats and liberals. They have controlled California politics, our way of life, and, consistently spent recklessly until we found ourselves in a severe deficit, a financial sink hole. Even though the California legislature willfully caused a $20 billion deficit, it continues to think it can spend its way out of debt, refusing to cut spending and instead adding and raising taxes. It’s time for a taxpayers revolt!
For instance, the California Senate is currently considering passing a parcel tax
(SCA 8) which would add taxes under the baseline of our property taxes which would only require a 51 percent majority, and no rate cap protection as Proposition 13 provides. With the large Democratic majority, there is no one there to stop our state government from financing their spending blunders with additional taxes! There is no end to this mentality!
Governments aren’t lacking in extreme creativity for thinking of new ways to tax. Rather then do the unthinkable, like reducing costs, eliminating foolish programs, building palaces like San Jose’s City Hall, yielding to unions for excessive salaries, benefits and early retirements, allowing overruns and countless waste issues, they are “creating” new taxes like, adding a tax on fast food restaurants or charging a “per-mile-driven” tax on autos – if it moves, why not tax it?
In perspective, look what Americans already pay in taxes: 38 percent federal income taxes; up to 11 percent state taxes; 7.5 percent social security taxes (plus employer match an additional 7.5 percent); and 1 percent unemployment taxes. We’re at 51 to 65 percent – you take home what’s left and use it to pay 5 percent utility taxes (on TV, water and sewer gas and electric and telephone); 50 cents on every gallon of gasoline; property taxes (now approximately 6 percent of your income); excise taxes; auto license and registration fees; 8.25 percent sales taxes and gift taxes.
Are you counting? If you wish to move out of California to avoid some of these taxes, the state levies a 3.3 percent tax on the sale of your home to prevent you from leaving with your equity. But it does not end there. Should you die, the federal government wants to tax part of your estate – 41 percent – just to be sure you don’t leave something to your children. This tax is shameless.
It is not that the government cannot provide needed services, it’s that they can do it for so much less. It’s time to revolt! Cut taxes, cut spending. Next time you vote, remember: Absolutely, not one more cent for new taxes … on anything!
Jim Langdon, Gilroy
