Steinberg's local tax bill has become a state budget bargaining chip

Sacramento Bee ^ | 6/4/11 | Torey Van Oot

[SmithL]

A controversial bill by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg to give local governments broad new taxing authority has rattled the industries whose products and services are targeted.

Business groups – including oil, tobacco and alcohol interests – have kicked opposition efforts into high gear, with one group launching radio ads and mail pieces blasting the bill.

"This is the most intense threat that we've seen," said Scott MacDonald, a spokesman for the business-backed coalition Californians Against Higher Taxes. "It's got everyone's attention."

By most accounts, that's just what Steinberg wants. The measure has become a key bargaining chip in state budget negotiations that could leverage agreement over Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to extend state sales, income and vehicle taxes.

"If we can reach this agreement over the next week, which I believe is vital for public education and public safety in this state, I will then not move (the bill)," Steinberg said this week.

Steinberg and his supporters are hoping the threat of more local taxes will cause business interests to lean on Republican legislators to support Brown's plan, which would leave many industries that are vulnerable under Steinberg's bill relatively unscathed.

[SmithL]

Fish gotta swim,

birds gotta fly, and

RATS gotta tax!

[marsh2]

Yeh, we’re going to implement local taxes when there’s 21% unemployment, 25% of our kids living under the poverty line and Oregon counties right over the border that have no sales tax and cheaper gas.

[funfan]

I live in San Mateo and they would just love if this bill
passed. I can see it now—I hate all politicians

[funfan]

“
“County supervisors or school officials could ask local voters to increase levies in a range of categories, from income and sales to alcohol, cigarettes, vehicles, sweetened beverages, medical marijuana and oil.” The bill also allows Any City Government and or School district to
Levy an income tax not just increase it they will create a new one. And it is not just County Supervisors it could be the City Council too. When you vote for the Supervisors or City Council they do not put their political affiliation on the ballot although they are all liberal.

[RightGeek]

Last one out of California, please turn out the lights!

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Better yet, why not just Eminent Domain all local businesses and turn them over to Eric Holder's people?

[willk]

Wasn’t it Steinberg and ACORN working together to force the city of Folsom to build more low income housing several years ago?

[sr4402]

The Tax Man Cometh!

My In-Laws were force out of Pennsylvania by high property taxes. They moved to Indiana and family.

Maybe it's time to move out of Beverly.

[RetiredTexasVet]

You got to love California Dems. Allow this bill to go forward and raise taxes or allow Brown’s tax bill to go forward and raise taxes. It’s not if you want a sharp stick in the eye ... just which eye!

[sr4402]

It’s not if you want a sharp stick in the eye ... just which eye!

Notice they avoid any real cuts as much as possible and stick it to California businesses which are leaving the state. Ask yourself what all those Millionaires from Millionaire Matchmaker are doing as well.

A sharp stick in the eye makes people act and the revenues decrease.

[fifedom]

I have mixed thoughts about this. I hate all taxes but the Chamber of Commerce has been very willing to throw consumers under the bus when the taxes do not affect them directly. I heard on the radio yesterday that they were playing kissy-face with Moonbeam when he gave a speech to them. So in part I say screw them but unfortunately once the local governments start taxing they will not stop with businesses.

And the Chamber is one of the main defenders of illegal immigration. They brought the lawsuits that challenged the Arizona law taking away the licenses of businesses that hire illegals. Luckily they lost but they were one vote away from winning.

And yes I know businesses will pass their taxes along to consumers but they also must realize that increased taxes mean consumers have less money to buy their products and they do not care.