High-speed rail push leading to Nov slaughter?
July 5, 2012
By Katy Grimes
Commentary
This week could mark the last big, well-orchestrated push for high-speed rail. Think of it as a drug being mainlined directly into the state’s largest vein. High-speed rail is not about the train, or California transportation needs–it’s about the money and the dirty deals with labor unions… which would explain why Gov. Jerry Brown has been such a cheerleader for it.
Legislators are scheduled to vote Friday on the plan to start building the high-speed rail project. But, in one of California’s backroom deals, done in the dark of night away from the public or Republicans, the money used to fund the train will now be inextricably linked to save the Caltrain commuter service.
Despite the lack of support from Congress and the federal government, California politicians have stubbornly pursued their childish dream of a California bullet train, led by the noses of union leaders.
All federal money was pulled off of the table for California’s dream train, except the original $3.3 billion of matching funds. And that’s been the hitch–California must match the $3.3 billion.
Meanwhile, Brown’s budget cuts have slaughtered Health and Human Services, California’s University funding, and even the take-home pay of state employees… all for a stupid train?
The vote
Brown and Democrats are pushing the Legislature this week to authorize the sale of $2.7 billion in state bonds, which would actually cost taxpayers nearly $180 million annually for 30 years in borrowing.
The reason behind the push, and the irresponsible financial deal, is that this would finally allow the feds to release the of $3.3 billion of matching funds, in order to build the first stage of track in the Central Valley. But that’s it folks – there won’t be any more federal funds, and Brown knows it. The rest will be build on the backs of California taxpayers and school kids.
Voters want a re-do on the High-speed rail vote, and would probably vote it down this time, knowing they were duped. A USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll done in May found that 55 percent of voters wanted the bullet train back on the ballot–59 percent said they’d vote against it.
Meanwhile again, Brown is pushing his “Tax-the-rich” ballot initiative, which is looking less likely to pass, particularly as he and Democrats have redefined “the rich” to include those making $250,000 annually. Don’t forget Brown’s arrogant recent statement that those making $250,000 four years in a row will be millionaires. Brilliant.
As he continues to promote bad policy in California like high-speed rail, and carbon emission schemes, voters are leery of allowing the state to control any more of their tax money.
What would happen if it all of this is passed by this Democratically-controlled Legislature? I would expect to see another slaughter soon, and this one will occur in the November election.
No comments
Write a commentWrite a Comment
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Related Articles
Prosperity agenda can overcome U.S., CA problems
April 6, 2013 By Ed Ring “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” Contrary to a common misconception, it was
New Year’s Water Bond Resolutions
DEC. 27, 2010 By WAYNE LUSVARDI Everyone has had the disappointing experience of opening up a Christmas time holiday gift
The tangled web of High-speed spending
June 11, 2012 By Katy Grimes SACRAMENTO — With the looming state budget deadline of June 15, most lawmakers are
In a state where freedom ruled a train such as this would be built out of necessity and need, not because people with vested inerests wanted to spend huge amounts of taxpayer cash on a system will not even run at a profit.
This is what you get when the RAGWUS is running the store. Logic and reason no longer exsit, “Twilight Zone” music always pops into my head when I read that the RAGWUS feeders have another great way to get Canifornians working.
I find hard to believe the RAGWUS has not referred to the “High Speed Rail” debacle to the “Green Rail Train of Prosperity.” 🙂
Katy: “What would happen if it all of this is passed by this Democratically-controlled Legislature? I would expect to see another slaughter soon, and this one will occur in the November election.”
I wish you were right, but given that California voters re-sent Governor Moonbeam back to office while refusing to roll back cap-n-tax, this state’s beyond hope.
Are you saying that they vote for the bonds now and get the loot, before the election? That way they have some “walking around” money regardless of the November vote. That cash could come in handy when buying loyalty with the unions.
Who would sell bonds to these bums. They stand a slim chance of getting paid. I know a State cannot go bankrupt, but California will do something that looks just like it soon.
Voters don’ t care….they just hang out in California.
Only true fanatics break into oozing rashes about the new Rizzo’s working the halls in Sacramento.
The true danger is the impending clashes between education, security, health/welfare consumers and bureaucrats. When is the tipping point…..these groups can get really grumpy!
The monarchs in Europe…..early Rizzo’s……kept their Sacramento’s going a long long long long time.
So…..how can you be foolish enough to obsess that fiscal sanity will be right around the corner!
“What would happen if it all of this is passed by this Democratically-controlled Legislature? I would expect to see another slaughter soon, and this one will occur in the November election.”
Careful Katy, your naïveté is showing. Don’t go all Pollyanna on us and give Kalifornia voters any credit. You will just be disappointed. Like Bill Hough says above, Kali. voters gave Jerryatric Clown a third crack at ruining the state and didn’t even have enough sense to put the kibosh on The Global Warming Final Solutions Act.
Like the comedian Ron White says “YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!”
I know a State cannot go bankrupt, but California will do something that looks just like it soon.
I don’t know why I have to keep repeating this – STATES DO NOT NEED TO GO BANKRUPT.They areIMMUNE from lawsuits-in both state and federal courts, all they have to do is say “We’re not paying our debts”, and that is it-game OVER. Not a thing ANYONE can do about it.
Ulysses Uhaul says:
July 5, 2012 at 9:10 am
Voters don’ t care….they just hang out in California.
Yeah, that is the same thing you said about pension reform in San Diego and San Jose…………….BTW-I forgot how that worked out-do you RECALL 🙂
Clowns taxes are DOA- and if the Bullet Stain goes forward it is going to be th end of the Dems, they know it.
The new Rizzo’s will be around a long long long long long time!
40% drop rate in high school for many years….an informed electorate?
This sales tax will pass….Felix the Cat, comic book kitty, will tell the electorate vote to keep your kibbles!
The RAGWUS is going the way of the French Monarchy, it will be quick, and with little fanfare. 🙂
Well Rex, that is something I did not know. That would be a very interesting development. Does that mean that they then get a “do over” for the next few decades? That may be a great way to get them to spend only what they have.
The new Rizzo’s will be around a long long long long long time!
Fatty Rizzo is going to the Joint-for a long ong time, and if that is what you mean by “being around” then yes, I concur, they won’t be going anywhere……
Well Rex, that is something I did not know. That would be a very interesting development. Does that mean that they then get a “do over” for the next few decades? That may be a great way to get them to spend only what they have.
It means the 11th Amendment allows the states to repudiate their debts b/c you cannot run to court and get a judgement. They can do that to anyone.
Will that happen, yes it WILL happen b/c there is not an extra trillion dollars lying around to pay the hundreds of thousands of the GED educated Mark Furman’s $5 million pensions at age 50……………………..
Amazing how delusional true believers become….
Rizzo must have held lots of seminars. Look around you…your had….there are no silver linings except for the Sacramento Rizzo Clan!
No one reads your posts…so roll over and pay!
It would be great to see politicians in the state suffer tangible consequences for their votes, but it will not happen until they actually bring the state to total collapse.
We are at total collapse right now-have been the last 15 years.
Wonder are you miserable….I have been in four casts for four months with leg in air and happy…happy….you guys make my day…I knew there were doomsday preppers out there…but in Calif..nah!
And Wonder…Rizzi may have a franchise packet for you too! Call him.
U Haul— LMAO—- You are correct— the Poodle is a prepper ™ !!
Sky fell, RAWGUS is gying !!!!!! 🙂