We have to wonder why these business groups would go through all this trouble to show lukewarm support. Are they being threatened? What type of pressure is the Governor and his friends applying?◼ Business groups place conditions on backing Jerry Brown's special election
Sources tell me that Jerry Brown and his Democrat allies are actively threatening businesses and business groups. Their message is simple: Show support and help us get these taxes passed, or you’re next. If we can’t increase the sales tax, income tax and car tax to fuel our bottomless appetite to grow the size of government, your business is next.
Governor Jerry Brown, one of the most masterful politicians of the last two generations, has spent the last few weeks trumpeting the momentum behind his five year, multi-billion dollar tax increase. He’s personally traveled to Los Angeles and the Bay Area to meet with and collect the alleged support of various “pro-business” groups.
In recent days, the Brown Administration has announced the “support” of the LA Chamber of commerce, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) and the Bay Area Council. Just yesterday, he added the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to the list.
But there are two problems with this view.
First, a close examination will reveal that no business groups support Jerry Brown’s proposed tax and spend budget as it is currently written.
The Los Angeles Times has done a great job of piercing Jerry Brown’s Sacramento reality distortion field. They have revealed that support for Brown’s taxes are “lukewarm” and with added “caveats....”
...the L.A. chamber leaders took care to add caveats: They said they want the taxes Brown seeks –- billions in vehicle, income and sales taxes –- extended for just three years instead of the five that Brown has proposed. And they want regulatory changes and an overhaul of the public pension system as part of the deal.◼ Loud Message To Five GOP Senators: "The Unions Won't Allow It" - flashreport, Jon Coupal
Another local group, the Valley Industry & Commerce Assn., backed Brown’s call for a special election but stopped short of actually supporting the tax hike extensions that he seeks.
Republican hardliners who oppose extending the tax hikes are "being obstructionist," said VICA President Stuart Waldman. Yet Waldman added that it was still “about 50-50” whether his organization would ultimately endorse the tax policies Brown is advocating....
◼ Budget Leverage - flashreport, Hon. Bill Leonard
◼ SacBee Editorial Board Members Should Read Their Own Paper - flashreport, Jon Fleischman
◼ Democrats Blame Pete Wilson for 2010 Budget Problems - flashreport, Jon Fleischman
