For the first time in nearly 80 years, one party is in control of both houses of the California Legislature.
Such an uncommon occurrence grants what amounts to absolute power on the Democrats in this state to raises taxes, override vetoes, bypass legislative rules and deadlines and send constitutional amendments to California voters.
For these reasons, having one party in total control of the executive and legislative branches of government in any one state is not a good thing. In California, with a Democratic governor and the long-held belief that no matter what side of the aisle you exist on, Democrats tend to spend — and tax — it could be a recipe for disaster.
But again, we’re playing with stereotypes that might not necessarily be the norm any longer. California is in bad shape financially. The passage of Proposition 30 will aid the recovery of California, to some extent, and that means the supermajority now has a tremendous role in defining where this money goes, how it is spent and whether it can really help.
Some think this could be a new direction for California and a defining moment for the legislators. We’re not sure. A Democratic governor, a Democrat-controlled Assembly and a Democrat-controlled Senate could make big, positive changes, and it could be a train wreck waiting to happen.
One thing is for certain, the public needs to keep a close eye on how things play out and pay attention. Californians are among the country’s most overtaxed citizens, who live in a state with business-unfriendly policies and lawmakers with a tendency to spend more money than can be generated. Suffice it say, more taxes are not the answer for what ails California, tighter spending controls are.
Voters in the state — citizens of California — need to be aware how their money is being used, and how their lawmakers are governing. If there are questions and concerns, it’s not enough to idly sit by. Doing nothing tends to be a problem manifests itself in uninformed votes, which could be why there is a supermajority today amid so much fiscal uncertainty in the state.
THE ISSUE:
Two-thirds majority now in state Senate, Legislature.
WE SAY:
Be wary of the supermajority’s ability to tax and spend.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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