Brown Wants Voters To Decide Fate Of Internet Sales Tax
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Will California voters opt to boost the state's fiscal health over their own personal finances?
Gov. Jerry Brown told lawmakers this week that while Republican pledges to avoid tax increases "make good theater," the state's ongoing budget crisis means the Legislature must let voters decide a five-year extension of increases to state sales, income and vehicle taxes.
One of the more contentious fights is over Internet sales, and voters may soon have the final say on whether they pay taxes on online purchases.
Mark Lifsher of the Los Angeles Times tells KNX 1070 it all goes back to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the early 90's.
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The Democratic governor is trying to sell lawmakers on his proposal for a June special election after 29 of the 42 Republicans in the Legislature announced they had formed a "Taxpayers Caucus" to oppose the special election unless voters also are given a chance to enact a tax cut of equal or larger value.
Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, said she has suggested cutting spending 20 percent across-the-board without eliminating state workers.
If voters reject the proposal for tax extensions, Brown said he would cut deeper into the budget.
He offered to debate Harkey on temporary taxes in her Orange County district if she voted to put
the tax extension on the ballot.
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