From Bud to you All!

Wendi,

We need to get the word out to all of our friends that might not be aware of what is happening in regards to the California Budget and the new taxes that are being thrust upon us. Our family alone is looking at paying $1,175 more a year in new taxes. Where are we going to get this money? That is an extra $100 per month to the state! The increase will be much the same for all our friends with families, unfortunately, the more kids you have the more taxes you will pay. As Californians, we are now the highest taxed citizens of any state in the country with no end in sight. By all reasonable estimates, we can expect our politicians (both Republicans and Democrats) to raise taxes again this year because of the tax gimmicks they have in place and their refusal to control spending.

For those interested, you can learn more about the recent State Budget and what you can do by visiting the Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association website at: http://hjta.org/ The site explains our current situation and elaborates on the new taxes, some of which have a two year life, that are being forced upon us. Additionally, there is clarification regarding Proposition 1A. Our politicians of both parties (including local representatives like Kevin Jeffries of Murrieta) have conspired against us. In Prop 1A they not only seek to confirm the new taxes that they have bestowed upon us, but they package and disguise Prop 1A as a so called "Cap on Spending Proposition" when in fact if Prop 1A is approved it will extend the new two year taxes to four years. Additionally, the language of Prop 1A states that if taxes are increased, then spending can increase also! So much for a spending cap in California. The Governor and our State Legislature with the joint crafting of Prop 1A have only promoted a greater mistrust of politicians and our political system.

What does one do when the government conspires against the very people it is suppose to represent?

I for one am fed up with our self serving politicians. I joined the Howard Jarvis Tax Association tonight. I also emailed my local representatives (Kevin Jeffries of Murrieta, Brian Nestande of Riverside and Dennis Hollingsworth of Temecula) the following message:

I can not express my dissatisfaction enough regarding the State Budget and associated Tax Increases that the California Legislature has passed. Further more, Proposition 1A is a travesty and promotes even greater mistrust of our politicians and the political system. I intend to support every action possible, including grass root efforts for recalling politicians like yourself, to hold every member of the legislature accountable for the ongoing financial dereliction of duty.
If these efforts prove fruitless, then like many others before us, I and my family will leave the state, further reducing the upper middle class tax base. Enough is enough!

I truly believe our founding fathers would stand amongst us and fight this fight. I am struck by how similar our situation has become to theirs. I for one have had more than enough. I hope you and our friends, as citizens of California, will join me in strongly, strongly, expressing your dissatisfaction with our elected officials.

Bud
PS Moving out of California is Plan B; it has become a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.