Tax Increase Vote in November?

John Seiler:

The latest plot twist in the soap opera “As the Tax Increase Turns” could be putting Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax increase on a November ballot, instead of in June.

Doing so would mean collecting signatures at a cost of about $2 million. No doubt Labor Unions and the governor’s wealthy supporters could fund the effort.

The dynamics would be a lot different than a June vote called by the Legislature. In July, the remaining tax hikes from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2009 legislation will have expired. So by November, Californians will be enjoying having more money in their pockets to pay for food and gas — which are increasing in price — as well as rent, car payments, kids’ clothing, etc.

But cuts will have to be made in government to make up for the revenue shortfalls, causing problems for a lot of people. For example, school days might be cut to four a week. What are you going to do with you kids on that fifth day while you’re at work?

Road construction will be halted. Parks will close for the summer. Welfare will be cut. And so on.

At least waiting for a November vote would mean a trial run for permanent cuts. Voters will then be asked: “Is this situation worth keeping $1,000 a year for your family? Or would you like to pony up your money at the ballot box?”

Meanwhile, the uncertainty and nuttiness of the whole process will make California even less attractive for business and jobs creation.

March 23, 2011