Well, this isn't good. Looks like the great California exodus isn't just working adults and businesses. Do you think the cost of living and shrinking job opportunities has something to do with this? Maybe? @hjta.
More California Students Are Attending College Elsewhere
The number of college-bound students leaving California has almost quadrupled over the last twenty years. Where are ...
www.ppic.org
Quick, what's the difference between California politics and racketeering? Ummm...
Racketeering or politics? For Attorney General Rob Bonta, it’s all fine.
In California, it’s politics.
www.dailynews.com
Artificial intelligence could be on the California ballot in 2026:
OpenAI critics ask billionaires for help to take their fight to the ballot
The ChatGPT maker faces at least two different California ballot initiatives, targeting its multibillion-dollar corporate restructuring.
www.politico.com
Real numbers: 1% of US mortgages are under water. The other 99% are not.
1/20th of one percent had foreclosure procedures initiated in October (the Attom report). That’s up from 1/25th of one percent a year ago (there’s that 20% increase).
40% of homes in the US are mortgage…
Voters in Switzerland just rejected an inheritance tax by a 78% margin. Apparently, the Swiss actually understand economics. "As California faces a huge budget gap, a union campaign is calling for a 5% wealth tax." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | California Digs a Deep Budget Hole
Even as tax revenue soars, the state faces large looming shortfalls.
www.wsj.com
NEW: LAist examines a deal that used $27 million in homelessness funds to buy an LA property that had just sold for $11 million.
Docs show unusual secrecy and inaccurate appraisal info — and that the mayor's office had a "big role" in the selection.
Inside a secretive $27M property deal to add unhoused beds that’s now under federal investigation
The city- and state-backed deal banned the buyer from ever telling the public who was receiving the taxpayer funds, according to an LAist review of…
laist.com
New column: California's new labor law could have unintended and unwanted consequences
California's new labor law could have unintended and unwanted consequences
A new law allows a state board to intercede in labor disputes involving private employers. But is the law legal, since it usurps a federal role?
calmatters.org
Despite ongoing spending by local governments to promote alternative modes of transportation, #MTS ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Rather than compete with city and county of #SanDiego tax increases in 2026, MTS is moving forward with a 2028 ballot measure.
“MTS…
Shhhhhh. Don't tell them! California's excise tax on car rentals is about average. If they find out, they'll increase them. @TaxFoundation. @hjta. "Rental Car Taxes by State, 2025."
Rental Car Taxes by State, 2025
Americans may be surprised to see just how much they are taxed for renting a car.
taxfoundation.org
California taxpayers this year are spending $1.1 million on four staff positions for the fast food council that hardly met and made no decisions this year.
Officials claim work is being done, but confirm the council’s next meeting is not scheduled…
California's Fast Food Council has been without a leader for six months
California's first-in-the-nation Fast Food Council, which was created to bargain the working conditions and wages for ...
www.kcra.com
State wide bond measures or local tax hikes, it rarely matters. Politicians invariably lie to voters about ballot measures. "Broken promises about taxes and bonds are nothing new." @hjta.
Broken promises about taxes and bonds are nothing new
Relying on deception, lies, and the presumed stupidity of citizens is an affront to core democratic values.
www.ocregister.com
Don't vote for special interest backed ballot measures unless you understand the fine print.
Prop 19 (2020) was a scam and is now preventing some children from remaining in their homes after the death of their parents.
Reducing homeowner and auto insurance -- the Florida way. "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s litigation reforms are starting to pay off. Auto and home insurers are announcing rate cuts and even issuing rebates." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | Florida Pays a Tort Reform Dividend
De Santis’s 2023 law is reducing home and auto insurance rates.
www.wsj.com
West Contra Costa Unified School District has more than doubled spending on vendors and contractors since COVID. Things that have not doubled at WCCUSD include enrollment and student performance.
California’s state and local pension plans have over $265 billion in debt
California’s state and local pension plans have over $265 billion in debt
California’s pension systems should be more cautious about taking risks with taxpayers’ money and workers’ retirement benefits.
trib.al
The author is correct, when "federal funding disappears, the only safeguard is how effectively states and districts use what they have. The call now is for leaders to confront this reality head-on: to make their systems strong enough that when Washington wavers, students are not…
Answer: Only if you want to lose more businesses and productive citizens to other states. "California is a high-tax state. Are more taxes a balm for its budget deficits?" @hjta.
California is a high-tax state. Are more taxes a balm for its budget deficits?
California ranks near the top in tax rates but still has structural deficits in its budget. Legislators would rather tax more than cut costs.
calmatters.org
In 1984, then-Mayor Tom Bradley ensured L.A. residents wouldn't have to pay for Olympics cost overruns (which are always). There were no such protections for L.A. or California residents this time.
DOGE may no longer exist as a discrete federal entity, but some of its people and thought processes remain.
Hopefully these elements can reorganize and take another run at government efficiency later in the Administration.
@lisa_4_la Prop 13 is the best property tax law in the nation. Here in Texas yearly we deal with explosive prop tax bills. Homesteaders have a 10% appraisal cap. No cap on rental prop and small biz. Higher taxes lead to much higher rents and consumer costs. We need @HJTA.
Jon Coupal: "What is going on in L.A. County government?" CEO gets $2 million for staying on the job? Where do I sign up? @hjta. https://www.dailynews.com/2025/11/09/jon-coupal-what-is-going-on-in-l-a-county-government/ via @ladailynews
I think CA policy makers just don’t like people.
“Arizona’s pop grew 5.4% from 2020-2024, while California’s essentially stayed the same. The state managed to add 6.7% to its housing stock over the same period, while CA added a paltry 3.1%, per census...”
This Arizona town is an unexpected magnet for Californians: 'We do it our way'
More Californians move into Arizona each year than any other state but Texas. In Lake Havasu City, two people ar...
www.latimes.com
My colleague Edward Ring discusses California’s coming energy crisis — and why he sees signs of hope. @edring
My column for @ocregister. Imagine how bad it will be if we have a recession. "Sacramento’s spending addiction continues." @hjta.
Sacramento’s spending addiction continues
For taxpayers, the news isn’t good.
www.ocregister.com
Sacramento’s spending addiction continues
Sacramento’s spending addiction continues
For taxpayers, the news isn’t good.
trib.al
New: California's Fair Political Practices Commission confirms it received a complaint against Attorney General Rob Bonta for using $468k in campaign funds on private attorneys amid federal bribery investigation.
Complaint asks FPPC to investigate:
Complaint filed against California AG Bonta over $468K in campaign funds spent on outside legal help
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has received a formal complaint that alleges improper use of campaign funds an...
Http:
I guess more than just the wealthy and businesses have figured it out." " @hjta.
More California Students Are Attending College Elsewhere
The number of college-bound students leaving California has almost quadrupled over the last twenty years. Where are ...
www.ppic.org
Just In: California faces $18 billion budget shortfall this upcoming year, the state’s @LAO_CA announces.
That’s billions more than state leaders expected. LAO points to state programs that are costing more, and federal govt impacts on health spending.
California faces $18 billion budget shortfall next year state's Legislative Analyst says
California lawmakers and the governor will need to prepare for an $18 billion budget deficit next year, state Legi...
www.kcra.com
CA spent over $450 million on a new 911 system. It’s now scrapping the flawed design
CA spent over $450 million on a new 911 system. It’s now scrapping the flawed design
Cal OES, which oversaw the project, said the system as it’s designed contains flaws that add unnecessary risk to 911 dispatchers.
www.sacbee.com
Trial lawyers got the legislature to vastly extend statutes of limitations. The result was inevitable. Taxpayers lose again. @hjta.
Cities weigh Chapter 9 as liability pressures strain municipal budgets
www.dailyjournal.com
Well, this isn't good. Looks like the great California exodus isn't just working adults and businesses. Do you think the cost of living and shrinking job opportunities has something to do with this? Maybe? @hjta.
More California Students Are Attending College Elsewhere
The number of college-bound students leaving California has almost quadrupled over the last twenty years. Where are ...
www.ppic.org
Voters in Switzerland just rejected an inheritance tax by a 78% margin. Apparently, the Swiss actually understand economics. "As California faces a huge budget gap, a union campaign is calling for a 5% wealth tax." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | California Digs a Deep Budget Hole
Even as tax revenue soars, the state faces large looming shortfalls.
www.wsj.com
State wide bond measures or local tax hikes, it rarely matters. Politicians invariably lie to voters about ballot measures. "Broken promises about taxes and bonds are nothing new." @hjta.
Broken promises about taxes and bonds are nothing new
Relying on deception, lies, and the presumed stupidity of citizens is an affront to core democratic values.
www.ocregister.com
Shhhhhh. Don't tell them! California's excise tax on car rentals is about average. If they find out, they'll increase them. @TaxFoundation. @hjta. "Rental Car Taxes by State, 2025."
Rental Car Taxes by State, 2025
Americans may be surprised to see just how much they are taxed for renting a car.
taxfoundation.org
My column for @ocregister. Imagine how bad it will be if we have a recession. "Sacramento’s spending addiction continues." @hjta.
Sacramento’s spending addiction continues
For taxpayers, the news isn’t good.
www.ocregister.com
I guess more than just the wealthy and businesses have figured it out." " @hjta.
More California Students Are Attending College Elsewhere
The number of college-bound students leaving California has almost quadrupled over the last twenty years. Where are ...
www.ppic.org
Reducing homeowner and auto insurance -- the Florida way. "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s litigation reforms are starting to pay off. Auto and home insurers are announcing rate cuts and even issuing rebates." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | Florida Pays a Tort Reform Dividend
De Santis’s 2023 law is reducing home and auto insurance rates.
www.wsj.com
Answer: Only if you want to lose more businesses and productive citizens to other states. "California is a high-tax state. Are more taxes a balm for its budget deficits?" @hjta.
California is a high-tax state. Are more taxes a balm for its budget deficits?
California ranks near the top in tax rates but still has structural deficits in its budget. Legislators would rather tax more than cut costs.
calmatters.org
Jon Coupal: "What is going on in L.A. County government?" CEO gets $2 million for staying on the job? Where do I sign up? @hjta. https://www.dailynews.com/2025/11/09/jon-coupal-what-is-going-on-in-l-a-county-government/ via @ladailynews
Wait, how is this not a huge violation of fiduciary responsibilities?? “Chicagoans Do Not Want Us to Bankroll the Regime": Chicago Will No Longer Buy Treasury Bonds. @hjta.
“Chicagoans Do Not Want Us to Bankroll the Regime”: Chicago Will No Longer Buy Treasury Bonds
“It’s a bold statement, isn’t it?” Those words of Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin hardly capture...
jonathanturley.org
The ROI on these expenditures is virtually non-existent. "California Transit Agencies Cost Taxpayers $10 Billion Per Year – And They Want More. @hjta. https://californiaglobe.com/fr/california-transit-agencies-cost-taxpayers-10-billion-per-year-and-they-want-more/
Great reporting by Ryan Sabalow @CalMatters. "California lawmakers found money for these pet projects even as they slashed the budget." @hjta.
California lawmakers found money for these pet projects even as they slashed the budget
Millions went to pet projects even as lawmakers made deep budget cuts. Here’s how they sent money back home to help get re-elected.
calmatters.org
In CA, voter education should be job #1. "Even in a blue city like Austin, voters rejected property-tax hikes and sided with Republicans when presented with a clear choice about the cost of living." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | The Property Tax Revolt in Texas
Liberal voters rebuked Democrats on a clear choice about living costs.
www.wsj.com
CA is considering a new wealth tax while TX is considering banning three categories of taxes. Guess where biz are moving? "Financiers fleeing the coasts want to know that TX’s business climate will remain friendly in the future." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | The Y’all Street Tax Plan for Texas
Three ballot measures would help extend the state’s financial services boom.
www.wsj.com
Is no one paying attention to this disgusting waste of money? "Fleecing Taxpayers: LA County’s Crazy Payout." @hjta.
Fleecing Taxpayers: LA County’s Crazy Payout – The American Spectator | USA News and Politics
SACRAMENTO — LAist’s investigative report was almost too hard to believe, even in a state that squanders taxpayer ...
spectator.org
My column in @ladailynews: "ICE raids are no excuse for bad policy in Los Angeles County. @hjta. https://www.dailynews.com/2025/10/20/ice-raids-are-no-excuse-for-bad-policy-in-los-angeles-county/ via @ladailynews
Good call from Mercury News: "Editorial: Santa Clara County already has top rate in California for county government spending. Now it wants a sales tax hike." @hjta.
Editorial: Santa Clara County already has top rate in California for county government spending....
Vote no on Measure A. Rather than seeking more money to offset Trump cuts, leaders should first rein in costs.
www.mercurynews.com
No Kings Day? By all means. On this day in 1781, British troops surrendered to the Continental Army. That's the real No Kings Day. @hjta.
Yes, California has the highest income tax rate in the country. But adding insult to injury, other states are LOWERING theirs. Let that sink in. "The State Flat Tax Revolution: Where Things Stand Today." @hjta. @TaxFoundation.
The State Flat Tax Revolution: Where Things Stand Today
The past four years have brought significant focus on state income tax reform and relief, and with that, something of a flat tax revolution.
taxfoundation.org
A worthy read from one of California's smartest lawyers. "Newsom’s unfair special election sets a terrible precedent." @hjta.
Newsom’s unfair special election sets a terrible precedent
Voters need to send a message to the governor and Legislature by voting a resounding “no” to their prioritizing political power over policy.
www.ocregister.com
Look, its not a "citizens' initiative" if government polls it, drafts it, writes the title and summary, and leads the campaign. "Jon Coupal: The fiction of citizens’ tax initiatives in California." @hjta.
Jon Coupal: The fiction of citizens’ tax initiatives in California
Most Californians, especially homeowners, know that Proposition 13 imposes limits on property taxes.
www.ocregister.com
From the taxpayers' perspective, conditioning sobriety for housing makes more sense over the long term than "housing first." The veto was disappointing. "The fight for sober homeless housing in S.F. isn’t over." @hjta. via @sfchronicle
The fight for sober homeless housing in S.F. isn’t over. Here’s the next step
Supervisor Matt Dorsey on Tuesday is expected to introduce proposals to help San Francisco open sober housing sites for the formerly homeless.
www.sfchronicle.com
In many respects, it is a meaningless distinction. "Jon Coupal: Is California really a ‘donor state’?" @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Is California really a ‘donor state’?
What really matters is whether the money is spent responsibly, recklessly, or corruptly.
www.ocregister.com
Give credit where credit is due. Thank you @CAGovernor Newsom for your veto of AB 699 which would have weakened ballot transparency of local tax and bond measures. @hjta. @JayObernolte.
Just another failed progressive policy. "The share of teens who are working is the lowest since August 2020. One culprit is rising minimum wages in many states." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | The Wages of Teen Unemployment
Teen jobless rates are higher in states with higher minimum wages.
www.wsj.com
Hey, California! Brace yourself for even more tax hike schemes. "Jon Coupal: The mad rush for tax hikes in California." @hjta.
Jon Coupal: The mad rush for tax hikes in California
Local politicians and special interests will do everything they can to prevent voters from being fully informed abou...
www.ocregister.com
Just three examples of gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. "Jon Coupal: Sacramento Democrats are always willing to burn other people’s money." @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Sacramento Democrats are always willing to burn other people’s money
It’s a shame that no politician was brave enough to ask the tough question about the cost to taxpayers.
www.ocregister.com
In a stunning report, StorageCafe reveals that CA remains the “undisputed leader in outbound migration nationwide, with nearly 683,000 residents leaving the state in a single year, according to U.S. Census data.” @hjta. The Sandstorm: Malifornia.
The Sandstorm: Malifornia - The Heartland Institute
In a stunning report, StorageCafe reveals that California remains the “undisputed leader in outbound migration nationwid...
heartland.org
More proof that universal basic income programs are ineffective. That's why other nations have abandoned them. @hjta. "A study finds $1,000 monthly payments have few long-term benefits." via @WSJopinion
Opinion | A Guaranteed Annual Income Flop
A test of free $1,000 grants showed few social or natalist benefits.
www.wsj.com