I hope no one here works for the state! (Los Angeles: section 8, daycare)

[BRinSM]

Schwarzenegger signs pay-cut order - Los Angeles Times (broken link)

[EscapeCalifornia]

I don't see how that's legal. Aren't all state workers under some sort of union contract? I can't just decide to pay $1.50 for gas, take all I want, and promise to pay the difference some day. If the state breaks the contract by failing to pay the agreed-upon labor rate, the workers really aren't obligated to show up.

[Roaddog]

My sister in-law runs a daycare center, many of her kids are from section 8 and as long as the budget isn't passed she doesn't get paid by the state for these kids, it makes it tough.
Arnoldator is doing this to push the budget through but he is punishing the wrong people, there will be a lot of state services cut out when the new budget passes.

[chuck22b]

Why can't we just raise taxes? It seems like no one wants to cut any funding anywhere... and the State employs a good percent of people. What's so bad about raising taxes if we expect the same/more services?

People just complain about how bad the system is and want to put in less for more. Last I hear we have more vehicles, more people, more businesses, new technologies, etc. Of course the cost to manage and govern things are going to rise. What would happen if we actually fund the system properly?

People are just so short sighted and want "Tax Cuts!", "Tax Cuts!", "Tax Cuts!".... but then they also cry "More Regulation!", "More School Programs!", "More Programs for Seniors", "More Health Programs!", "Cleaner Environment!", "More Parks!", "Better Roads!", "Less Crime!", etc..

I for one wouldn't mind getting taxed a little more if we can end all the "budget" crisises we seem to have every year (which is a waste of time), and that programs for better roads, etc. actually get accomplished.

-chuck22b

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by chuck22b

Why can't we just raise taxes? It seems like no one wants to cut any funding anywhere... and the State employs a good percent of people. What's so bad about raising taxes if we expect the same/more services?

People just complain about how bad the system is and want to put in less for more. Last I hear we have more vehicles, more people, more businesses, new technologies, etc. Of course the cost to manage and govern things are going to rise. What would happen if we actually fund the system properly?

People are just so short sighted and want "Tax Cuts!", "Tax Cuts!", "Tax Cuts!".... but then they also cry "More Regulation!", "More School Programs!", "More Programs for Seniors", "More Health Programs!", "Cleaner Environment!", "More Parks!", "Better Roads!", "Less Crime!", etc..

-chuck22b

It's a balancing act. Higher taxes make the state less attractive to workers and companies and jobs tend to migrate to neighboring states. (This has already been documented happening to CA). So basically, at some point, higher taxes means LESS total tax revenue.

I can't imagine there isn't some waste that can be cut in the budget first.

[chuck22b]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

It's a balancing act. Higher taxes make the state less attractive to workers and companies and jobs tend to migrate to neighboring states. (This has already been documented happening to CA). So basically, at some point, higher taxes means LESS total tax revenue.

I can't imagine there isn't some waste that can be cut in the budget first.

From my perception, I think California might have more social programs than most other States (based on the "liberal" perception of California). That said, I think California might also have the most wage discrepancy (ie difference between wealthy and poor). That is most likely why it costs more to run the numerous programs here... the high disparity level of wealth distribution.

Compared to other States, California's Income Tax is second highest to Vermont, with more taxes levied on the more wealthy.

State Income Tax Rates

Sales Tax on the other hand, California might be one of the highest... I'm assuming since "Sales" tax is a consumption tax and supposively the wealthy consume more.

At least we're not the worst tax State, and number 12th on their list:
Tax Friendly States

So, if we have the most programs, but still isn't the "worst" tax State, then we still have room to raise taxes?

I don't know, the rich leverages the poor (ie, employs them, etc.) to get more rich... but, they don't want to pay the taxes to keep the poor "able" bodied (ie, health, living, etc.) so they can make the rich richer.

Maybe, California should "export/sell" their knowledge of running social programs to other States and other Countries to find "alternative" means of increasing funding (besides just taxes?).

Any other suggested solutions besides just rants? Where to cut... how to cut... and what "after" effects should be expected? If not cutting, where else to get additional funds?

-chuck22b

[Roaddog]

It's more about wasteful spending than anything else; we don't need higher taxes we need to hold our state responsible for their spending.

[chuck22b]

Originally Posted by Roaddog

It's more about wasteful spending than anything else; we don't need higher taxes we need to hold our state responsible for their spending.

Maybe we should have KPIs (key performance indicators) and scorecards for government services and accomplishments and give them money (taxes) accordingly? Finish a bridge, get more funding, relieve traffic congestion, get more funding, improve overall quality of life, get more funding. On time, bonus, off time/late, no bonuses and reduction of funding :P.

Would these things work? Or would the underperforming continue to do worse and worse as they get funded less and less while the overperforming would have excess funds?

-chuck22b

[EscapeCalifornia]

The state is taking in far more money today than it was when Davis lost his job over the budget and yet the solution is to always throw more money at the beast. That's like giving whiskey to an alcoholic to get him off your back.

[Havasu]

Originally Posted by chuck22b

Why can't we just raise taxes? It seems like no one wants to cut any funding anywhere... and the State employs a good percent of people. What's so bad about raising taxes if we expect the same/more services?

People just complain about how bad the system is and want to put in less for more. Last I hear we have more vehicles, more people, more businesses, new technologies, etc. Of course the cost to manage and govern things are going to rise. What would happen if we actually fund the system properly?

People are just so short sighted and want "Tax Cuts!", "Tax Cuts!", "Tax Cuts!".... but then they also cry "More Regulation!", "More School Programs!", "More Programs for Seniors", "More Health Programs!", "Cleaner Environment!", "More Parks!", "Better Roads!", "Less Crime!", etc..

I for one wouldn't mind getting taxed a little more if we can end all the "budget" crisises we seem to have every year (which is a waste of time), and that programs for better roads, etc. actually get accomplished.

-chuck22b

Just quit wasting money is all that is needed and wiser spending.Thats how I live my life when I have less I spend less. If you want higher taxes you can send the extra Taxes that YOU think is needed. I do not want any more taxes and I want less services and less regulations less is better