Capitol Updates
On Monday‚ June 15‚ the Legislature met the Constitutional Deadline to pass aplaceholder budget and send it to the Governor’s desk. The Assembly stayed untilmidnight to debate the concept of the state budget. Until the Governor is engaged‚ the billthe Assembly passed is Assembly Bill 109‚ which is the two‑party agreement between theSpeaker and the Senate pro Tem.
This agreement fails to address the severe affordability crisis facing everyday families.Instead of lowering costs‚ it raises your taxes.
This budget plan relies on a massive $1.5 billion annual health insurance premium tax.This translates to an increase of $100 per person per year. For a family of four‚ that is$400 for health insurance that is already too high.
In their thirst for more revenue‚ Sacramento Democrats passed Senate Bill 122‚ a tax hiton every business that uses digital software. If you use a computer to run your business –from major corporations to mom‑and‑pop store fronts‚ you and your customers will paymore.
Even with the new taxes that we will all likely have to pay‚ the state budget does not fundProposition 36 to allow law enforcement to fight retail theft and other crimes. But it doesgive $1 billion for the High‑Speed Rail to build a route between a field and an orchard.
This budget did nothing to stop the gas tax increase that will automatically go up onJuly 1.
Clearly‚ Sacramento’s priorities are not ours.
We have to lower the cost of living. We must suspend the gas tax. We need water.
