Opinion: How a bill went from horse racing to raising taxes in Los Angeles County
Like tourists taking selfies in front of blooming money trees, lobbyists are standing over dead bills that have been gutted like a fish and amended into something completely different.
Sales taxes are very regressive, meaning they’re disproportionately harsh for people with the least disposable income. So politicians in this state, which has the highest poverty rate in the nation when the cost of living is taken into account, should be alarmed to see a bill that would enable L.A. County to raise the sales tax again.
It happens in Sacramento when no one is looking, or rather, when people are looking but they think they’re seeing a bill that’s about horse racing. Then suddenly it’s gutted and all its language is replaced by an “amendment.” The bill number doesn’t change, but the content does. AB 1679 is now titled, “Transactions and use taxes: County of Los Angeles: Homelessness.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jury awards $450,000 to Los Angeles County fire captain in retaliation suitThe fire captain’s attorney said Tuesday that he will likely be awarded fees and costs that will bring the total award to about $1.1 million.
Read more »
Report: 3 Camp Pendleton-based Marines killed in crash on I-5 in Los Angeles areaThree U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton were reportedly among four people who died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in the Downey area.
Read more »
Taylor Swift Adds Sixth Los Angeles Show to 'Eras Tour,' Dozens More Around the WorldTaylor Swift is extending her Eras tour run at Los Angeles’ So-Fi Stadium with a sixth show.
Read more »
Szechuan Mountain House, years in the making, opens its first Los Angeles locationPlus, beloved Porridge + Puffs closes, some of L.A.'s best shawarma hits Studio City, a ramen spot expands its focus, and more.
Read more »
Kim Kardashian opening first Skims store in Los AngelesThe 5,000-square-foot LA shop will be on Sunset Boulevard near the Supreme and Kith stores.
Read more »