California Budget Saga - 2009

Everyone seems to agree that Prop 13 that limited property taxes in California is to blame for the crisis. There is however, a large majority that believes that the law requiring 2/3 majority for raising taxes was a good idea.

Now consider what has happened. Instead of raising taxes on cigarettes, the legislature was forced to cut spending in health care. This is inspite of the the fact that cigarette tax would naturally lower health care costs. Cutting health care would in fact RAISE healthcare costs since more people will drop through the cracks and start visiting ERs. The 33% minority that blocked the cigarette tax must be held accountable for this travesty.

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