What is wrong with California?

[LA Ute]

So, California passes a higher tax on the rich.

I understand the national proposal to do this, whether I agree or disagree with it. It's not easy to change your country, and few will do it.

But if I am rich and in California, why wouldn't I just move at this point? State mobility is a much different thing. Not everybody can do that, even the rich (or else they cease to become rich) sure, but a lot of people can and I wager they will. If I was, say, a CFO making half a mil a year, I'd be talking to headhunters in Texas right now. Or some other state.

My law practice is tied to California. Otherwise, I'd seriously consider leaving. Our political leadership and the majority of our voting electorate are insane. I think others who are not tied to the state will leave. Things will get a lot worse here before they get better. I'd love to be wrong about that.

[Flystripper]

I can't wait to move back.

Glad I am back!

[Tone Loc]

I think its beautiful that all the rich people are choosing to pay higher taxes in order to help. It is selfless. Keep California alive and well, what a great place to visit.

[SeattleUte]

When will Cal revisit same sex marriage? Prop 8 was such a bitter experience. I'm proud that Washington became the first state to authorize same sex marriage by vote.

[byu71]

So, California passes a higher tax on the rich.

I understand the national proposal to do this, whether I agree or disagree with it. It's not easy to change your country, and few will do it.

But if I am rich and in California, why wouldn't I just move at this point? State mobility is a much different thing. Not everybody can do that, even the rich (or else they cease to become rich) sure, but a lot of people can and I wager they will. If I was, say, a CFO making half a mil a year, I'd be talking to headhunters in Texas right now. Or some other state.

Crap, the price of real estate in Utah is going up.

What level of income did California decide was rich. Did they consider net worth too or is rich only defined by income?

[LA Ute]

Crap, the price of real estate in Utah is going up.

What level of income did California decide was rich. Did they consider net worth too or is rich only defined by income?

$250k. If you make that much it's your patriotic duty to "pay a little more."

[The_Douger]

It's neighborly to do so.

[Joe Public]

Crap, the price of real estate in Utah is going up.

What level of income did California decide was rich. Did they consider net worth too or is rich only defined by income?

It's based on income only. $250K+ per year will have an increase in individual income tax rates for the next seven years. It's retroactive to 1/1/2012.

Also, the state sales tax is boosted by another 0.25%.

[LA Ute]

It's based on income only. $250K+ per year will have an increase in individual income tax rates for the next seven years. It's retroactive to 1/1/2012.

Also, the state sales tax is boosted by another 0.25%.

While we're at it let's not forget that the Democrats now have a super-majority in the State Legislature. That gives them the ability to pass taxes and fees, and place initiatives — such as same-sex marriage and bonds — on the ballot without securing a single Republican vote. Proposition 13 is not a barrier for them, for the first time ever. Republicans are powerless. Gov. Brown and the Democrat leaders have already promised restraint.

Did I mention that they are all in safe seats now too? And that they are practically owned by the unions?

This is why lots of us are worried.

[The_Douger]

Sounds like it's time to move.

I couldn't stand that. It's stupid enough here, and that sounds even worse.

[filsdepac]

$250k. If you make that much it's your patriotic duty to "pay a little more."

$500K per household, right? It's only for 7 years, too, so i'm sure it'll go away after that and we'll be sitting on a budget surplus by then. nbd

[Jeff Lebowski]

In fairness to California, here is an article showing how the Greece comparisons are off:

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/...greece/260939/

[Katy Lied]

In fairness to California, here is an article showing how the Greece comparisons are off:

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/...greece/260939/

There's some pretty bad cherry picking going on there. Ridiculous even.

[LA Ute]

I must say I thought of the Texans here (who can't get enough of bashing California) when I read of the petition for secession from the Union, signed by hundreds of thousands of Texans.

[Uncle Ted]

I must say I thought of the Texans here (who can't get enough of bashing California) when I read of the petition for secession from the Union, signed by hundreds of thousands of Texans.

Not everyone in Texas wants to leave the union...

New petition asks White House to make Austin 50th state