Posted on 07/17/2008 9:39:25 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
California state government spent $145 billion last fiscal year, $41 billion more than four years ago when Gov. Gray Davis got recalled by voters. With all that new spending -- a whopping 40% increase -- we ought to be in a golden age of government with abundant public services for all.
So why does it seem like the quality and quantity of government is not all that different from 2004? How many of us feel like we are getting 40% more public services, 40% better schools, roads, parks and so on?
The Legislature and governor, grappling with another huge budget deficit, are suggesting raising taxes, so it seems opportune to ask what we got from the last $41 billion.
Some of it went to cover increases in the cost of living, and state spending naturally grows with the size of the population. But even adjusting for inflation and population growth, state spending is up almost 20% compared with four years ago, ... The state's financial statements describe where the money went -- the big gainers were education ($13 billion), transportation ($10 billion) and health ($10 billion) -- ...
--snip--
Is paying the highest teacher salaries in the country delivering a better education for our children? Are roads and transit being built near where we live? Do big raises for prison guards promote rehabilitation and lead to more humane prisons? ...
--snip--
Voters are criticized for wanting more services yet being unwilling to pay higher taxes. That is unfair; Californians have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to fund valuable programs. But if spending can go up 40% and most of us can't discern any difference, can we blame voters for being hesitant to put even more tax money in the hands of the state?
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
John G. Matsusaka is a professor of business and law at USC and the author of “For the Many or the Few: The Initiative, Public Policy, and American Democracy.”
It's a real pain when you twist around far enough to bite someone one on the ass as hard as you can, and it's your own.
Recall Arnold now. He should declare himself a Disaster Area.
More money, More money..
FoR WhaT?
Recent news was 1 in 4 high school students drop-out.
The SD U-T is running a 1 in 5 drop-out locally headline.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20080717-9999-1m17dropout.html
The education and healthcare systems of this state are a ‘black hole’ (sue me) and the elected officials are too stupid or dishonest to realize they need to stop feeding it.
W.A.S.S.
...........Arnold?
For one thing, 45% of education funds go to the state and the school districts. Only 55% goes to the actual school educating the children. This ratio has gotten far worse in the past 30 years.
The commentator is right on.
In California, you get want you vote for. Same as when a john pays a prostitute.
I can’t believe I voted for that clown.
5.3 billion operate its 32 prisons .
The two largest unions in California are, in order, the prison workers union and the teacher’s union. So is there any doubt where the money goes?
Thanks Arnold, you Stupid puppet of the LA Elitist Rino Republicans.
you have made as big a mess as any Democrat could do.
Oh and say thanks to your STUPID east coast Commie Wife.
does she still have your Marbles in Her Purse?
A: Down a 'Rat hole.
“CA: Where does all that state money go?”
Stupid question. Unions, welfare and vote buying of course.
What a revolting development... So...
LET's REVOLT!!!
Count me in - I’m a citizen now so I can protest!
Oh, the progress is just fantastic! But it is way to early to tell.
We must first spend the remaining $2,700,000,000 and pay off the additional $3,000,000,000 in interest and then we will make a report.
It’s revolting from this location!
Now I must explain that a "REVOLT" is quite different than a mere "protest!" A protest is just a bunch of marchin and chantin and yellin about stuff you don't like.
A revolt is much more deliberate and filled with effective action rather than just a demonstration.
Proposition 13 was a CA "Tax Revolt" around the 200th birthday of America that effected property tax returns to this very day in a very limiting way!!!
It's high time for another, even more effective "Tax Revolt" in CA, just over 30 years later!!!
Seriously!!!
Thanks for the kind wishes and your explanation too! My first election and it has been an experience!
I understand what the difference is now - and Tax Revolt/Reform is something California needs.
We keep throwing money after stupid upstart programs which go nowhere except to keep more people in expectation of assistance instead of getting things right for themselves such as taking responsibility for their own destiny.
I like to pick who I help in this lifetime - and the California legislature seems to think they are obligated to save everyone - when it is no longer possible.
California has wealth within its boundaries if the current group will stop running the place like a daycare program.
Oh! You’re entirely welcome and I love this reply more than the last one!!! Of course now you can never disagree with me if you want to keep gettin praised like this here... (grin)
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