Monning says the partisan climate in Sacramento "started bad in 2008 and has gotten worse since then."
Twenty-seventh District Assemblymember and current candidate for Senate Bill Monning recently visited the Weekly offices to discuss California’s budget crisis, what “partisan gridlock” really means, and why soda pop should be Public Enemy #1. Below is a 30-second condensed version of our conversation:
Weekly: Thanks for coming in. How’s the climate in Sacramento these days, compared to when you started in 2008?
Monning: Honestly, the partisan climate started bad in 2008 and has gotten worse since then. When people use the phrase ‘partisan gridlock,’ it sounds like neither side is willing to compromise. That’s not true—I’ve pushed the green button for dramatic and drastic budget cuts to programs I care deeply about. Republicans have stayed on the sidelines refusing to negotiate and refusing to consider any revenue solutions to that tough budget.
W: What’s the state of the budget right now?
M: This year we have a $16 billion dollar deficit. In 2009 it was $41 billion, and in 2010-2011 it was $26 billion.
W: What would you say is the main cause?
M: It’s more of a revenue problem than a spending problem. For example, Apple had over a billion dollars net profit in just the month of April. But they’re incorporated in Nevada to avoid paying taxes in California. We’re losing revenue that should be taxed in California.
W: The legislative session ends August 31. Anything you’re especially proud of accomplishing?
M: I worked on a series of bills on the underground economy with (26th Assembly District) Republican Bill Berryhill. This represents 60 to 200 dollars a year of economic activity on which employers aren’t paying workman’s comp or payroll taxes. Often workers are paid minimum wage under the table. This is common in the construction industry. Most of these bills give more tools to enforcement agencies. If we use the lower, $60 billion figure, that’s $6 billion in 10 percent payroll taxes we’re not collecting.
W: Any bills that didn’t pass this session that you will reintroduce next session if you’re elected to the Senate?
M: I haven’t made a final decision, but I’m still passionate about my soda tax bill. It’s a tax of one cent per fluid ounce to any beverage that adds caloric sweeteners, such as sodas, energy drinks, sweet teas and sports drinks. Soda represents the single leading source of increased caloric intake in kids. It causes preventable Type 2 diabetes. It’s a public health epidemic.
