Republicans Criticize Democrats' Local Tax Push
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Frustrated by the difficulty of raising taxes in the Legislature, California Democrats want to allow cities, counties and school districts to do it themselves. But Republican lawmakers say they're going about it in a sneaky way.
Earlier this week, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said he would make a local tax hike proposal part of the state budget package, thinking that would make it exempt from being challenged in a statewide ballot referendum.
On Friday, Assembly Republicans said they have a legal opinion suggesting the public does have the right to overturn Steinberg's tax plan if it's signed into law.
Steinberg's plan would make it easier for cities, counties and school districts to raise the income tax, vehicle license fee and excise taxes on residents living within their jurisdiction.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
