A major collision between the interests of the public in knowing how well they are being served by elected officials, and those of politicians who believe their stature should give them immunity from scrutiny is now taking place in Los Angeles. The side of full disclosure is being represented by the city controller while the side of secrecy is being defended by the city attorney.  Read more >>

The November election could see Californians confronted with a record number of local tax hike measures. Despite the fact the economy is in the doldrums and people are struggling to pay for gas, food, housing, this hasn't slowed down local politicians making major new demands on taxpayers' wallets.  Read more >>

For six years in a row, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Foundation (HJTF) have published the California Piglet Book to spotlight waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers' dollars. Modeled after the Pig Book, an annual analysis of Federal spending conducted by CAGW, we have found the state Piglet an excellent method of embarrassing California officials into better performance and a higher respect for the public's money.  Read more >>

The California Taxpayers Association (CalTax), after weeks of heavy pressure from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, agreed to support his "compromise" budget plan which includes a $10 billion tax increase. Apparently, CalTax thinks Californians don't pay enough taxes.  Read more >>

It's the biggest tax hike you've never heard of. In a last ditch effort, California grocers, retailers and environmental groups are attempting to resurrect a fiscally reckless bill to impose a 25-cent tax on all paper and plastic bags Californians get at the grocery store. This bill could cost grocery shoppers billions a year -- and come on top of already skyrocketing food, gasoline and energy prices.  Read more >>