Tepid Support for Constitutional Change

Why did the con-con measures not get the necessary financial support? Backers blamed the recession, but perhaps because of polls like this. The Sacramento Bee reports here. Voters believe the state government is riddled with fraud and waste, and want spending cuts prior to tax increases. They also oppose deleting the two-thirds requirement to pass a budget. Meanwhile, California Forward's budget reform initiative is also in jeopardy, as the Bee reports here.

Taxes or Fees?

Like beauty, it seems to be in the eye of the beholder. The Sacramento Bee reports here.

Sweeping Tax Changes?

The Sacramento Bee reports here on the "Commission on the 21st Century Economy," another attempt to escape the messiness and difficulty of political change. The majority seems willing to sacrifice tax progressivity in exchange for decreasing volatility. No mention in the article of a "split roll" that would eliminate Prop. 13's benefits for commercial property. Here is the corresponding report from the Los Angeles Times.