Dateline Sacramento – “California does not need new taxes,” state Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner said this afternoon after Gov. Brown struck a budget deal with Democrats in which he will call two special sessions of the Legislature with the intent of passing targeted taxes and fees.
“California is collecting record revenues,” Mr. Runner said.
“We don’t need new taxes. Gov. Brown and the Democrats could find additional revenue by eliminating government waste and re-examining their budget priorities.
“That is a much better alternative than trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip.”
Mr. Runner said that when California taxpayers voted for temporary tax increases several years ago, they didn’t expect to be hit with another volley of taxes.
Mr. Runner may be contacted at george.runner@boe.ca.gov
