Fake. Faux. Pretend. Bogus. Phony. There are a lot of words in the English language to describe something that is represented as something it is not.

With all the very real problems facing California today, one would think that our state Legislature would enact real reforms. Regrettably, however, the majority party continues to pursue fake reforms which probably helps to explain the institution’s dismal 16% approval rating.  Read more >>

The right of initiative has been properly characterized as a “precious right” by the California Supreme Court. Yet criticisms of direct democracy, mostly from the left, have grown in recent years. These include criticisms from the usual media detractors but, more dangerous to direct democracy, have also been expressed by members of California’s highest court.  Read more >>

Why has the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Political Action Committee endorsed Meg Whitman? It’s all about the “tipping point.”

To understand how we came to this conclusion and why it is critical to the future of our state, it is important to understand the nature of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) and the Political Action Committee (HJTA-PAC).  Read more >>

How would you like to be able to borrow as much money as you want and not have to pay any interest? And better yet, when payments come due, you could borrow more to make these payments and still not have to pay any interest. Sound like a good deal? It certainly has been for the state of California for the past 39 years. It's called income tax withholding. Behind closed doors in the Capitol, it is called “revenue acceleration” because it forces workers to pay government before taxes are actually owed.  Read more >>

In this era of instant gratification and short attention spans, it is easy to think of one year ago as “ancient history.” However it is important to remember that it was only 12 months ago that the California Legislature slammed taxpayers with a $12.6 billion tax increase -- about $1,200 annually for the average family -- because, if given the chance, they will do it again.

Before last year’s massive tax increase, Californians were paying the highest sales, income and car taxes in the nation. Now, if you have a job, a child, drive a car or buy gas, you pay much more.  Read more >>