Do we really need all these new taxes?

State and local tax revenues are soaring, yet 231 local sales and parcel taxes increases and bond issues on the March 3 ballot in California. Dan Walters in CalMatters re-tells the age-old story: pensions.

Do cities, counties, and school districts really need all of the new taxes they want voters to approve, given the strong increases in revenue from existing taxes they've enjoyed nearly a decadelong economic boom?

Oddly enough, many do, because their costs, particularly for pensions and health care, have been rising faster than revenues—but don't expect local officials to acknowledge those costs as they make their pitches to voters. 

They will vaguely tell voter that the additional funds are needed for "public safety" or such popular services as parks. [Editors' note: consider Measure E and "affordable housing" on this list.]

Why the deception? They fear voters will be less willing to vote for new taxes if they are told the money would be spent on retirement costs, and they know their unions are less willing to finance candid campaigns.

Read more about how the deception plays out here.

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