A group of billionaires, former governors, philanthropists and assorted other folks known as the Think Long Committee plan on putting an initiative on the November 2012 ballot that would raise $10 billion through new taxes, providing some $5 billion alone for public schools anbd billions more for universities and local governments.
From Anthony York at the LA Times: "Although the group has prepared a report outlining its proposals, it has not taken the preliminary steps needed to place the ideas before voters. Members have not filed any potential initiatives with the state attorney general's office or created a campaign committee to finance such an effort. A spokesman for Think Long said those moves would come in the next couple of weeks."
The group's plan is based on a reshuffling of California's tax system. It would lower the state's personal income and sales tax rates and create a new levy of more than 5% on services that are not currently taxed, such as legal work or accounting.
Think Long spokesman Nathan Gardels said members want to "maintain California's progressive tax system." Under their proposal, families earning up to $45,000 a year would pay no state income tax, while those making up to $95,000 annually would pay 2%. This would lower some taxpayers' obligations significantly.
The group also wants to double the current exemption for homeowners and renters on their state income tax and eliminate most other California income tax credits.
Speaking of education, a new poll shows that even in tough economic times, the public supports paying higher taxes in return for better schools.
From Teresa Watanabe in the LA Times: "After three years of budget cuts that have battered schools with extensive teacher layoffs and deep cuts in art, music and other programs, 64% of those surveyed said they would shell out more for schools."
"The consensus was broad, crossing both genders and all races, ages, regions, income and educational levels. One exception was conservative Republicans, with only 34% willing to pay more for schools. But 60% of Republicans who described themselves as moderate or liberal and three-fourths ofDemocrats said they would support such a move."
"I think we've reached a tipping point on the willingness of voters to pay more taxes" for schools, said Democratic pollster Stanley Greenberg of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, which co-directed the bipartisan poll for USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles Times. "Across party and ideology in tough times, to favor a tax increase on yourself is pretty impressive."
CalPERS and STRS are urging corporate boards to disclose political campaign contributions, a move they took at the urging of state Treasurer Bill Lockyer. Last year's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, known as Citizens United, allows unlimited corporate and labor donations to independent campaigns, but not directly to candidates. When CalPERS and STRS talk, people listen: They wield a lot of investment clout.
From Ed Mendel at CalPensions: "The nation’s two largest public pension funds will urge corporate boards to disclose political campaign contributions, a response to a court decision lifting the lid on some donations that do not have to be reported."
"The California Public Employees Retirement System adopted the policy last week on a split vote. An opponent, board member Dan Dunmoyer, said “this has more political overtones than policy benefit.”
"The California State Teachers Retirement System adopted the policy early this month. The California Chamber of Commerce warned that public companies who report contributions might be at a competitive disadvantage to private firms who do not report."
"The pension boards acted at the request of state Treasurer Bill Lockyer. He cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that allows unlimited corporate and labor union political contributions to independent campaigns, but not directly to candidates. The ruling in the Citizens United suit also upholds federal rules requiring the reporting of political contributions. But the disclosure requirements do not apply to trade associations and nonprofit groups."
Campus police at UC Davis say the use of pepper spray on protesters was justified, in part because they said officers were surrounded when they tried to cloear the area. Videos posted on YouTube, however, show the demonstrators huddled on the ground as they get sprayed, and the UC President Mark Yudof has ordered an immediate review.
From Tony Bizjak in the Sacramento Bee: "President Mark G. Yudof's statement came in response to videos posted on the Internet Friday showing a Davis officer pepper-spraying Occupy UC Davis protesters in the face as they sat passively on the ground with arms linked, and earlier images of Berkeley officers jabbing protesters with nightsticks."
"UC Davis officials announced Sunday that two officers involved in the Friday pepper spray incident have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation."
"Yudof said he will convene all 10 system chancellors to discuss the issue, and will engage experts to conduct a review of campus procedures."
"My intention is not to micromanage our campus police forces," Yudof said in the statement. However, he said, "free speech is part of the DNA of this university, and non-violent protest has long been central to our history. It is a value we must protect with vigilance."
And from our "Christmas Holiday" file comes the tale of the Sugar Plum Fairy who cusses in the bathroom and dances at strip clubs under the name Mimi Le Yu.
"Laura Coppinger, who had held the Christmas nymph position in St. Charles' Christmas Traditions Festival for the past five years, pointed out that she was out of costume when she swore."
"It was a nice four-letter word," Laura said. And there were no kids within earshot, she said. In fact, she thinks the only person who heard her cuss was the drug test administrator. She thinks it was the administrator who turned her in to human resources...."
"When I talked to her last week about this gross injustice, she didn't mention that she also performs in adult-themed comedy burlesque shows as Mimi le Yu."
"You know, if you had a theme park and Porky Pig was hoofing with the Chippendales on the side, you might be tempted to let him go. I tried to call Coppinger back about her burlesque gig, but I couldn't reach her."
Wore hot pants, too....
