DB Spreading the tax burden

Today Californians begin to pay
for their leaders' failures

Starting today, every time you pay a little bit more for socks, toothpaste, a computer or a new car, you can thank the state Legislature and governor of California.

They were the ones who approved the temporary 1 percent sales tax increase to help fill a gaping hole in the state budget and end a financial crisis that was threatening to shut down the state government. Of course, they were also the ones who allowed the gaping hole to form in the first place, but we'll get to that in a minute.

Now, every time you stock up on household supplies, or celebrate a birthday at a local restaurant, or replace an aging appliance, your bill will be higher. One extra cent for every dollar you spend.

This higher tax will be in effect until July 1, 2011 - or July 1, 2012 if Californians pass Proposition 1A, the Budget Stabilization Act.

In exchange for accepting a higher tax for extra year, Californians are supposed to get a spending cap and a rainy day fund - you know, logical, responsible actions to make sure leaders don't spend the state into a hole again.

Isn't that just like California? We have to pay more simply to get our leaders to be fiscally responsible.

So, for the next couple of years, when you have to dig into your pocket for another dime or quarter or dollar to cover the 1 percent tax increase, think of your state leaders.