Governor looks to secure two Republican votes for tax changes
by Brian Leubitz
Well, step one for Jerry Brown is complete, as he got 2 Republican votes in the Assembly, but the job is far from complete.
The Democratic governor’s revised tax plan raises about $1 billion in corporate taxes, mostly from out-of-state companies, and redirects that money toward tax breaks for California businesses and individuals.
He enlisted two Assembly Republicans to support the package, but he still must find votes from at least two reluctant Senate Republicans for his plan. The Legislature is scheduled to close its regular session tonight.
Brown and lawmakers hailed the plan as a jobs creator, though they offered few projections on its economic stimulus impact. Brown was joined at a news conference by GOP Assemblymen Nathan Fletcher and Cameron Smyth, who voted Thursday evening to put the legislation, Assembly Bill 1X 40, over the top in the lower house. The measure passed on a 54-10 vote, with the bare minimum for the needed two-thirds majority. (SacBee)
Sen. Dutton is apparently not ok with taxes being raised on anybody, even if the taxes are just being shifted. Apparently taxes on any one person can only go down in the world of Sen Dutton, and then proceeded to call for a special session to review the measure beyond Friday. Because then, you know, he could stall it forever and make sure nothing happens. That’s kind of his deal, don’t you know.
The likely targets for this measure will be Sen. Cannella, maybe Sen. Aanestad, and whomever else Jerry can drag along for the ride. 2 votes is doable, but certainly will take much arm twisting.
He was hailed as a rising star by the GOP before but this basically kills his bid for governor. He’s trying to be San Diego mayor – I wonder what this will do to his campaign.