By Art Pulaski, California Labor Foundation
For every cut the state is asking seniors, those with disabilities, workers and low-income Californians to absorb in the May Revise, there’s a wasteful corporate tax break that’s draining much-needed revenue. The cuts proposed today aren’t borne of necessity; they’re the result of a failed system that protects tax giveaways for the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of California’s most vulnerable. That’s inexcusable.
It’s clear that budget stability can’t be achieved without additional revenue. Voters must approve Gov. Brown’s revenue initiative this fall to stave off even more devastating cuts to schools and public safety. But to create long-term stability, the state has to eliminate the maze of loopholes, carve-outs and tax-dodges that corporate lobbyists have written into law over the years, many through backroom deals as leverage in previous budget negotiations.