Activists, Unions Take Aim at Governor Brown’s Budget Grip

California Governor Jerry Brown has been known to rule the state’s budget with a tough grip. Not much has passed or been voted down without him having a hand in the decision. The governor has fought for tax hikes, put the kybosh on new programs that call for more spending and worked tirelessly on building up the state’s rainy day fund. However, someone might have finally cracked the fortress.

Thanks to some new efforts by activists and unions who want tax reform and additional funding in the state, the governor may have to let go of his grip, at least just a hair. That’s because several different attempts from various sources are pushing the governor for various different reasons. For example, the reasons for these new proposals include getting more funding, building a shield against another recession and pushing a political agenda.

One proposal would extend the higher taxes that Gov. Brown himself campaigned for in 2012. Another proposal would change California’s landmark restrictions on property taxes, which could help increase money from commercial interests. Still, another proposal is calling for an oil extraction tax and yet another possible plan would be to increase the cigarette tax levy.

Meanwhile, although the governor has yet to publicly respond to these proposals he has stated before that he does not favor extending Proposition 30, which increased levies on the highest earners and raised the sales tax by a quarter-cent. Brown does not want lower and middle class families to end up paying more in taxes in an effort to stabilize revenue collection.

Posted in
Tax Strategies Under Obama Tax Plan

Tax Strategies Under Obama Tax Plan

Tax Strategies Under Obama Tax Plan Everyone is aware that President-elect Barack Obama has stated his case clearly that there will be a major tax bill for 2009. As our experience shows, a first-term tax law will probably not see passage by both houses until as late as July; however, it is more than likely…

taxable Gift Tax: Tips from the IRS

Gift Tax: Tips from the IRS

Gift Tax: Tips from the IRS Taxpayers who have given gifts exceeding $11,000 in value to a single individual must report the total gift amount to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The giver may owe taxes on the gifts. The recipient, however, does not have to report or pay taxes on the value of the…

The secondary market may impact 409A valuations

Secondary Market May Impact 409A Valuations

Secondary Market May Impact 409A Valuations An issue gaining attention with respect to 409A valuations is the fact that many private company shares are increasingly being traded in the secondary market. There is a debate among valuation specialists over how transactions in private company stock impact the value of the company securities for 409A purposes.…

Five Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers with a Name Change

Five Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers with a Name Change

Here are five tips for recently married or divorced taxpayers with a name change. If you changed your name after a recent marriage or divorce, the IRS reminds you to take the necessary steps to ensure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration. A mismatch between the…