Tax Revolt 2009: 15,000 demonstrate against California Tax Hikes
Coming to your pocketbook on April 1, 2009, is the largest increase in state taxes in United States history.
For most of the past fiscal year, the state government of California has not had a budget. This situation culminated in the past month when state legislators convened midnight sessions to pass new budgets over a half year late. Included in these votes were raises in your car registration fees, increases in sales tax, and increases in your state payroll taxes.
Proponents of the tax increase are predicting dire consequences to medical programs, public safety programs, and state services. Opponents are questioning the effectiveness of state programs in light of the current economic recession.
Some citizens took matters into their own hands by attending a rally called by the John and Ken Show, heard daily on KFI 640 AM. The drive-time radio personalities have been discussing the state budget situation for months during their program. Recently, Aliso Viejo’s assemblyman, Chuck DeVore, was interviewed about his opposition to the tax increases.
Fullerton Police estimate that 15,000 people participated in the Tax Revolt 2009 Rally on Saturday afternoon. The crowds were vocal but peaceful with no incidents reported by Fullerton Police. Chanting “heads on a stick” and “liar” the thousands of protestors took over the center of Fullerton, jamming roads and even backing traffic on the local freeways.
Demonstrators from Southern Orange County were using the opportunity to gather momentum for their own initiatives, including a political committee called Taxpayers United to Recall Jeff Miller. The organization coalesced in the last few weeks in the wake of the passage of the new state taxes.
John and Ken have opined that the Republican legislators were complicit in the tax increases because the GOP Assembly and Senate leaders coordinated the tax hikes with the Democrats. Chuck Devore from the 70th Assembly District withdrew his participation in Assembly leadership to protest the tax hikes.
Miller is the Assemblyman for the 71st Assembly District, representing Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Foothill Ranch, Norco, Chino, Corona, and portions of Orange and Tustin. As former mayor of Corona, Miller ran unopposed in the November 2008 election.
When Devore resigned as the Minority Whip, Jeff Miller took DeVore’s leadership position. Miller’s behavior has angered DeVore supporters and undermined DeVore’s attempt to roll back the tax increase.
Dr. Ken Hayashida
