California jumped to 45th highest in energy costs (where 51st is worst) in 2010. The state government estimates moving forward with implementation of the AB 32 energy tax will result in another 14% increase in energy prices. With unemployment at record highs, Californians may want to consider suspending any efforts to raise energy prices further.

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Last month I was invited to address a joint tax committee of the Utah Legislature to discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of various methods of taxing real property. Specifically, Utah is considering adopting an "acquisition value" based system -- such as Proposition 13 -- to replace its traditional "current value" system that taxes property based on what it is worth now rather than the purchase price.  Read more >>