In January, as part of an effort to tackle the budget deficit, Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed eliminating California’s 6 percent gasoline sales tax and replacing it with a 10.8 cents per gallon excise tax. While that might seem like good news for consumers, it comes at a high price.
Articles by Bill Monning
Time for Sensible Budget Solutions
Despite a collegial tone in his State of the State message, Gov. Schwarzenegger followed with a “slash and burn” budget proposal two days later. With a theme of “jobs, jobs and more jobs,” the governor seeks to reconcile a projected $21 billion deficit over the next 18 months by cutting safety net programs that create and protect jobs. In addition, the proposed budget inappropriately juxtaposes economic growth against hard-fought environmental protections and public transit programs.
