Are California's taxes too high or too low? (sales, school)

[Surftown831]

The general consensus amongst many residents of the state and residents of other states when talking about California is that California taxes are too high. However I just read "California Crack Up: How reform broke the Golden State and how we can fix it" and the authors seem to be claiming that California has one of the most conservative stances towards taxes when compared to the other 50 states. They claim the large deficits and lack of money to public services was because of lost revenues from Prop 13 and the difficulty in increasing taxes with the 2/3 vote requirement. So which one is it? Are Californians taxed too much, or too little?

[NorCal Dude]

Oh they are just too low. I mean they tax you when you want a pack of smokes, they tax you when you want your subway sandwich toasted, hell they tax you when you are dead. i've even heard some libbys talking about wanting taxing people by how many miles they put on their cars a year. Yea that's it, taxes are just too low....

[TimC2462]

Originally Posted by UNLV09

The general consensus amongst many residents of the state and residents of other states when talking about California is that California taxes are too high. However I just read "California Crack Up: How reform broke the Golden State and how we can fix it" and the authors seem to be claiming that California has one of the most conservative stances towards taxes when compared to the other 50 states. They claim the large deficits and lack of money to public services was because of lost revenues from Prop 13 and the difficulty in increasing taxes with the 2/3 vote requirement. So which one is it? Are Californians taxed too much, or too little?

My answer will be different. IMHO, it depends on how efficient the government is in spending the tax revenue. When resources, such as tax money, are pooled together it will always have a bigger impact than one or two individuals trying to implement changes.

But when the state budget is running a huge deficit, largely due to the overspending problem by the state government then it is fairly obvious that taxpayers do not want to continue to hand over their hard earned money.

If Brown want to balance the budget, he's going to have to make more drastic cuts.

[Curmudgeon]

WAAAAAY too low, obviously. Just look at the deficit!

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by TimC2462

My answer will be different. IMHO, it depends on how efficient the government is in spending the tax revenue. When resources, such as tax money, are pooled together it will always have a bigger impact than one or two individuals trying to implement changes.

But when the state budget is running a huge deficit, largely due to the overspending problem by the state government then it is fairly obvious that taxpayers do not want to continue to hand over their hard earned money.

If Brown want to balance the budget, he's going to have to make more drastic cuts.

I agree.

I would also add that I would feel better if the services in California were better than states with lower tax burdens. Instead it feels like our burden is high and we are just getting by.

It is not like we as citizens are wholly ignorant of states without sales tax or income tax. We know that such states aren't lawless third world states without any government services.

[ferretkona]

Taxes are up every year more than the last. Sales tax was 5% when I was a child. Nearly 10% now.

The government needs to learn what we all did as children. Spend within the budget. These A holes think when they are out they can just keep spending. End free programs. Quit giving free medical care to illegal immigrants.

Jerry seems to have the ball rolling. Took away state cell phones from workers. Took away cars used for personal gain.

[Surftown831]

Originally Posted by TimC2462

My answer will be different. IMHO, it depends on how efficient the government is in spending the tax revenue. When resources, such as tax money, are pooled together it will always have a bigger impact than one or two individuals trying to implement changes.

But when the state budget is running a huge deficit, largely due to the overspending problem by the state government then it is fairly obvious that taxpayers do not want to continue to hand over their hard earned money.

If Brown want to balance the budget, he's going to have to make more drastic cuts.

I'm also curious about this claim of exorbitant spending. What does California spend too much on? California school system already spends $600 less than the national average per student, we spend considerably less on transportation than other states which has led to six CA cities being put in the top 10 on list of worst roads in the nation, and most Californians agree that more police officers need to be put on the streets. What exactly should Jerry Brown cut?

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by UNLV09

I'm also curious about this claim of exorbitant spending. What does California spend too much on? California school system already spends $600 less than the national average per student, we spend considerably less on transportation than other states which has led to six CA cities being put in the top 10 on list of worst roads in the nation, and most Californians agree that more police officers need to be put on the streets. What exactly should Jerry Brown cut?

I would guess most people are advocating that Jerry Brown make cuts to the salaries/pensions/benefits of current and former state workers.

[Surftown831]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

I would guess most people are advocating that Jerry Brown make cuts to the salaries/pensions/benefits of current and former state workers.

That brings problems as well. Cost of living is so high in California, state workers (excluding upper management positions and directors) can barely afford to live comfortably on what they are making now. As for police officers, before the recession most departments had trouble meeting recruiting requirements. When this happens there are two options: Lower the standards for applicants or increase pay and benefits. Most California departments chose the latter because lowering standards is very controversial.

[loveautumn]

For starters, look into fraud (welfare, SS, disability)...the list goes on. CA has the most liberal handouts of almost any other state.

and we have poured billions into the black hole called "education". Where is this money going?