Why progressives’ single-payer health care dream would bankrupt California https://nypost.com/2026/03/04/opinion/single-payer-health-care-would-bankrupt-california/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=capost_opinion&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter#Echobox=1772676149
NEW: LA city leaders have started debating whether to pull roughly $300 million per year in city homelessness spending from LAHSA.
Options include putting it under direct city control, or entrusting the county to manage it.
LA city leaders weigh pulling homelessness funds from LAHSA
Shifting to city control would likely take a year and a half, officials said. Mayor Bass is urging them not to pull funding without a plan in place.
laist.com
Just out: California's wealth tax proposal has a NEGATIVE $25B net present value. We project only ~$40B collected (vs. $100B claimed), with ~30% of the tax base already gone and lost income taxes wiping out gains. w/ Ben Jaros, @gregkkearney, John Doran & Matheus Cosso:
Well, this is easily explained. Illinois is just as politically dysfunctional as CA, but they have really crappy weather. "As California exodus continues, one state bucked the trend." @hjta. via @sfchronicle
As California exodus continues, one state bucked the trend
Half a million more people left California for other states than came in 2023 and 2024 combined. But there were ...
www.sfchronicle.com
Opinion: John Moorlach: Is history going to repeat itself in Orange County?
John Moorlach: Is history going to repeat itself in Orange County?
Something tells me that everyone is once again asleep and the pirates are on the move.
www.ocregister.com
A proposed “millionaire’s tax” in Washington State would yield the highest combined state and local top income tax rate in the country.
Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q045t2RJ0 #Washington #MillionaireTax
Did you know the California High-Speed Rail Authority's plan for the Bakersfield-to-LA segment is a bus? This column is not a satire, it's all real:
The high-speed rail project’s long bus ride to Los Angeles
Once a futuristic promise, the bullet train has become an old albatross. Time for it to reach the end of the line.
www.dailynews.com
BREAKING: San Luis Obispo told homebuilders they could get their permits — but only if they handed over a home at a massive loss or paid a $98,900 inclusionary housing fee. Today, we filed suit to stop the government from imposing unconstitutional fees on builders.
After we reported that Contra Costa County had exaggerated losses from federal Medicaid changes, one Supervisor reversed her support for an "offsetting" 0.625% sales tax increase in June. But the other 4 decided to plow ahead.
Before taxing residents more LA County should investigate IHSS spending
Before taxing residents more LA County should investigate IHSS spending
Voters should reject this measure in June and tell the Board of Supervisors to clean up their own house first.
trib.al
Opinion: The high-speed rail’s project’s long bus rid to Los Angeles
The high-speed rail’s project’s long bus rid to Los Angeles
Once a futuristic promise, the bullet train has become an old albatross. Time for it to reach the end of the line.
www.ocregister.com
"It's a lot, a significant amount of money."
California taxpayers are footing the bill for Kamala Harris' book tour security.
"Where the slippery slope starts to show up is the personal gain aspect, should it be provided at the taxpayer's expense?"
California taxpayers are paying for Kamala Harris' security during her international book tour
California taxpayers have been paying for former Vice President Kamala Harris’ security detail as she travels out ...
www.kcra.com
Fair warning from Chevron. Is anyone in Sacramento listening?
32 years after going bankrupt, Orange County seems to be gambling with its spare cash again. Is anyone watching?
CA Property taxes are ranked 17th from the bottom. The average rate is 0.77%. Doesn't sound 'ultra low.' Prop 13 replaced a 2.67% rate and regular market value reassessment in 1978. There is a 2% cap on assessment increases. If you bought in 1978, your property taxes have still
@joncoupal column on split roll. "Will more businesses split from California over Tom Steyer’s split roll threat?" @hjta.
Will more businesses split from California over Tom Steyer’s split roll threat?
Time will tell whether Steyer is even serious about pursuing split roll.
www.ocregister.com
To complete high-speed rail from Bakersfield to the outskirts of Merced by 2033, the Authority has to borrow against cap-and-invest revenues promised for 2034-2045.
But as the LAO analyst politely explained at yesterday's hearing, that is a LOT easier said than done.
There are at least three red flags in the IBA’s analysis of the #SanDiego Empty Home Tax up for a vote at Council today.
1. The new tax will create an enforcement nightmare: “Magnitude of proposed tax likely to incentivize tax avoidance, but violations would result in a
You can't be pleased with this chart showing students' test scores are flat to declining while the cost to educate a child skyrockets in this @CATOInstitute chart. Are #taxpayers benefiting from government spending on #PublicEducation. We need school reform.
That’s a wrap on #UnclaimedPropertyMonth! 🎉We processed 48,404 claims, with daily claims up 68% in Feb—proof that awareness + action matter.
Haven’t searched your name yet? There’s still time, visit http://claimit.ca.gov
From KTLA: A state audit found that California invested a staggering $24 billion over the past five fiscal years to address homelessness...
Yet, as this spending has increased, so has California’s homeless population.
Opinion: Will more businesses split from California over Tom Steyer’s split roll threat?
Will more businesses split from California over Tom Steyer’s split roll threat?
Time will tell whether Steyer is even serious about pursuing split roll.
www.ocregister.com
In their rush to put another 0.625% sales tax on the June ballot, Contra Costa supervisors have made a serious error. The Health Dept. told them the County was going to lose $307 million of Medi-Cal $ over four years; they're telling voters that the $307 million loss is annual.
“Higher taxes will not reduce the deficit, except for a brief interval. They will simply increase government spending. That is the lesson taught by past experiences.”
— Milton Friedman
Editorial: By doubling down on ‘mansion tax,’ Los Angeles earns its fate
Editorial: By doubling down on ‘mansion tax,’ Los Angeles earns its fate
Measure ULA arguably is worsening the city’s homeless situation
www.ocregister.com
Billionaire Tax Act calendar: Secretary of State says April 17 is the suggested last day to turn in the signatures to county officials to make the November 3, 2026, ballot. (Needs a projected 110% of required signatures on a random sample.) Later than that, it's November 2028.
“One of the single most consistent — and damning — criticisms of San Diego’s elected leaders is that they don’t sweat the details before making big decisions. That certainly holds for the Balboa Park paid parking fiasco that’s unfolded since Jan. 5.”
In addition to the Balboa
Ahead of the Assembly High-Speed Rail Oversight hearing this afternoon, remember: (1) they can't finish Bakersfield-to-Merced by 2033 without new bonds to accelerate cap-and-invest revenue; and (2) running B-M at a loss or SF-LA at > 2:40 is unlawful.
California’s High-Speed Rail: The 2026 Draft Business Plan Is Ambitious, Expensive, and Still...
The California High-Speed Rail Authority released its 2026 Draft Business Plan on February 28, two years after the ...
californiapolicycenter.org
For over 40 years, Proposition 13 has protected Californians from out of control property tax increases. Help us preserve and protect Prop. 13 and join VCTA at https://buff.ly/zbFiFJZ
“Since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, California’s budget has grown two and a half times to almost $300 billion
... The sorry truth is that the extra tax revenue has flowed largely to government employees in the form of lavish compensation packages.”
Well, this is easily explained. Illinois is just as politically dysfunctional as CA, but they have really crappy weather. "As California exodus continues, one state bucked the trend." @hjta. via @sfchronicle
As California exodus continues, one state bucked the trend
Half a million more people left California for other states than came in 2023 and 2024 combined. But there were ...
www.sfchronicle.com
@joncoupal column on split roll. "Will more businesses split from California over Tom Steyer’s split roll threat?" @hjta.
Will more businesses split from California over Tom Steyer’s split roll threat?
Time will tell whether Steyer is even serious about pursuing split roll.
www.ocregister.com
Editorial: By doubling down on ‘mansion tax,’ Los Angeles earns its fate
Editorial: By doubling down on ‘mansion tax,’ Los Angeles earns its fate
Measure ULA arguably is worsening the city’s homeless situation
www.ocregister.com
Let's Roll! "*Breaking News* Save Prop. 13 Taxpayer Champions Turn In 1.3 Million Signatures For November Ballot Measure."
*Breaking News* Save Prop. 13 Taxpayer Champions Turn In 1.3 Million Signatures For November Ballot...
Business And Taxpayer Coalition Moves To Put Local Tax Limits Before Voters In 2026
open.substack.com
Great piece from NR's Jim Geraghty: California Affordability Problem That Newsom’s Fans Don’t Want to Talk About. @hjta.
The California Affordability Problem That Newsom’s Fans Don’t Want to Talk About | National Review
Two major magazines have published profiles about Newsom that seem more interested in his appearance than in what ...
www.nationalreview.com
What she said. "Jennifer Berger: Prop. 13: Why It’s Misunderstood and Why It Matters." @hjta.
Jennifer Berger: Prop. 13: Why It’s Misunderstood and Why It Matters
Every so often, a familiar complaint bubbles up: Why does my neighbor pay a few thousand dollars a year in property taxes while mine is in the tens of
www.noozhawk.com
So, which is worse -- the sheer incompetence and folly, or the efforts to conceal the waste and fraud? "Jon Coupal: Sacramento wants to hide information about the bullet train. @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Sacramento wants to hide information about the bullet train
The vampire sucking millions of dollars out of the pockets of California every day is back in the news. Here’s the latest.
www.ocregister.com
Brutal takedown of CA High Speed Rail debacle. "FULL INTERVIEW | Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo on high-speed rail update." via @YouTube. @hjta. Great job, Alexandra.
Great reporting by @CalMatters. "Some California high-speed rail records could remain secret under proposed law." @hjta.
Some California high-speed rail records could remain secret under proposed law
A new California bill would allow the agency overseeing the high-speed rail authority to withhold some records if ...
calmatters.org
If not, they should. "Will L.A. voters have tax fatigue at the ballot box?" @hjta.
Will L.A. voters have tax fatigue at the ballot box?
The city council is considering numerous potential ballot measures to increase taxes to raise revenue for the beleaguered general fund.
www.latimes.com
Jon Coupal: Local sales tax hikes coming soon across California . @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Local sales tax hikes coming soon across California
The good news here is that a proposed initiative currently in circulation would close the Upland loophole for special sales taxes.
www.ocregister.com
Geez. How about dealing with the budget crisis first. "Newsom says he’ll investigate claims TikTok is censoring anti-Trump content." via @sfchronicle
Newsom says he’ll investigate claims TikTok is censoring anti-Trump content
Candidates for Congress on Monday joined the growing swarm of TikTok users who say their videos criticizing immigration agents are being suppressed.
www.sfchronicle.com
Spot on piece from @wsj. "California Wealth Tax Backers Ignore Proposition 13 Lessons by @Jon_Hartley and @realartlaffer via @WSJopinion @hjta.
Opinion | California Wealth Tax Backers Ignore Proposition 13 Lessons
Faced with an onerous levy on assets, taxpayers will vote against it at the ballot box or with their feet.
www.wsj.com
Good job in presenting the data in a way that ordinary taxpayers can understand. @californiaglobe @SteveHiltonx @hjta. New Tax Calculator Shows Democrat Policies Add $35,000 a Year to Your Cost of Living https://californiaglobe.com/fr/new-tax-calculator-shows-democrat-policies-add-35000-a-year-to-your-cost-of-living/.
My column in @ocregister. The budget process isn't just a joke, there IS no budget process. "Jon Coupal: Why does California even bother with a budget?" @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Why does California even bother with a budget?
The governor and the California Legislature should heed LAO’s chilling conclusion: “Taken together, these trends rai...
www.ocregister.com
Compelling piece from Larry Sand. Without an educated citizenry, democracies will fail. . @hjta.
Six Ways to Improve Schools › American Greatness
As someone who attended public school in the 1950s and 1960s, taught in elementary and middle schools in the ear...
amgreatness.com
Wow. @TaxFoundation eviscerates CA's proposed wealth tax. "The Proposed California Wealth Tax Is Far Higher than 5 Percent," @hjta.
The Proposed California Wealth Tax Is Far Higher than 5 Percent
The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, a California ballot initiative, would ostensibly impose a one-time tax of 5 percent ...
taxfoundation.org
A random act of journalism? Pleasantly surprised that this is from the @latimes. "California’s exodus isn’t just billionaires — it’s regular people renting U-Hauls, too." @hjta.
California’s exodus isn’t just billionaires — it’s regular people renting U-Hauls, too
U-Haul truck trends mark exodus from California
www.latimes.com
Another crappy metric thanks to CA's socialists. @TaxFoundation @hjta.
Visualizing California's erosion of purchasing power. This is shameful. "Mapped: The Real Purchasing Power of $100 by U.S. State." @hjta. via @visualcap
Mapped: The Real Purchasing Power of $100 by U.S. State
Is a dollar in your pocket worth the same in Albuquerque as it is in New York City? We show the real purchasing power of $100 in each state.
www.visualcapitalist.com
My @OCRegister column. Jon Coupal: Blue states have a fraud problem. @hjta. "Its not that red states don’t have problems, or even scandals. It’s when they do, they value competence over excuses."
Jon Coupal: Blue states have a fraud problem
The difference is not that red states don’t have problems, or even scandals. It’s when they do, they value competence over excuses.
www.ocregister.com
California? Bueller? Bueller? "As the clock turns to 2026, the residents of nine states will pay lower tax rates on their income. Happy New Year indeed." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | Happy Tax Cut New Year
Residents in nine states will pay lower income-tax rates in 2026.
www.wsj.com
Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Ballot Language Manipulation Exposes a Serious Constitutional Flaw https://open.substack.com/pub/sodoesitmatter/p/attorney-general-rob-bontas-ballot?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
From the "Dean" of legal analysts: "Tick, Tick , Tick: Study Shows California is Losing a Taxpayer Every Minute." @hjta. @JonathanTurley
Tick, Tick , Tick: Study Shows California is Losing a Taxpayer Every Minute
California is facing a perfect storm in finances, with a crippling deficit and a declining tax base. Now, a stud...
jonathanturley.org
Pretty sad, folks. "Leaving California: Three More Major Businesses Close or Move Out of State." @hjta. https://californiaglobe.com/fr/leaving-california-three-more-major-businesses-close-or-move-out-of-state/
From @HJTA friend Jon Fleischman: "Top Nine Ways Gavin Newsom Made California the Most Unaffordable State in the Country." https://open.substack.com/pub/sodoesitmatter/p/top-nine-ways-gavin-newsom-made-california?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Taxpayer dollars being spent to steal more taxpayer dollars. "Pacific Grove’s Tax Dollars at Work by @davidrhenderson." @hjta. via @WSJopinion
Opinion | Pacific Grove’s Tax Dollars at Work
The city council hires a consulting firm to help it figure out how to raise my taxes.
www.wsj.com
No surprise that the "benefits" of the ULA tax are being vastly overstated. "Scrutiny Grows Over Measure ULA Claims, Mike Manville Weighs In." @hjta.
Scrutiny Grows Over Measure ULA Claims, Mike Manville Weighs In
UCLA Professor and Chair of Urban Planning Michael Manville shares his input on the plausibility of the numbers in...
luskin.ucla.edu
Funny but sad. "California Family Still Waiting For Permit To Build Gingerbread House." @hjta. via @TheBabylonBee
California Family Still Waiting For Permit To Build Gingerbread House
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Bucking years of tradition, a family new to the California area has failed to build a ...
babylonbee.com
Looming ballot measure sparks needed tax fight
Looming ballot measure sparks needed tax fight
California lawmakers won’t restrain their worst instincts, so the state’s voters will have to do it for them.
www.ocregister.com