“1% on the 1%” idea picking up steam Print E-mail

ab1130presser53111May 31, 2011, Los Angeles—Martha Sanchez, parent of a student in the Los Angeles Community College District, tells of the hardship imposed on her family by rising student fees during a press conference held at L.A. Valley College on May 31 in support of AB 1130, the "1% on the 1%" bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.  A few days before, the LACCD Board of Trustees passed a resolution in favor of AB 1130.  Appearing at the press conference in the row behind Sanchez is (L to R) Valley College faculty member Deborah Kaye, Assemblywoman Skinner, CFT president Joshua Pechthalt, LACCD Board member Kelly Candaele, and AFT 1521 Staff Guild president Velma Butler.  See press release.  Fred Glass photo

Fair taxes on the rich seen in opinion poll as viable alternative to destroying public sector

“We have no choice.”  This phrase has long been the favorite punch line for conservative politicians using public budget problems as an excuse to cut social programs while redistributing wealth upwards through tax breaks to the rich and corporations.

But there is a choice.  In a telephone public opinion poll of 800 likely voters run in March by San Francisco based pollster Ben Tulchin and paid for by the CFT, the findings are starkly at odds with what the billionaires and their right wing politician friends are saying.  Instead, the public is now stating clearly, “We want to tax the rich to save education and other important social services.”

California voters demonstrated a strong understanding—better than a two to one margin—that the wealthy and big corporations have gotten richer in recent years while the middle class and working class have struggled.  There is an equally strong sense that the wealthy and large businesses don’t pay their fair share in taxes to support public services.

The most spectacular response came to the question, “Would you support a “1% on the 1%” tax?“ on people making $500,000 a year and up.  This drew a 78% “yes” vote, with support across all geographic areas of the state, all ethnic groups, ages, and political parties.  Republicans supported this revenue solution—which would raise $2.5 billion/year—by a 60% margin.

The interviewees thought it would be a good idea to close business tax loopholes, reassess large commercial properties at current market value (“split roll”), and levy a 10% severance tax on oil (California is the only oil-producing state that has no severance tax).

The question about 1% on the 1% has an immediate, practical dimension.  Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner has introduced AB 1130 to float the idea in the Legislature.  It is not likely to pass, because no Republican will vote for any tax, any time, and the Legislature needs a 2/3 vote to pass a tax (Democrats are two votes short of 2/3 in each house).

However, AB 1130, and the CFT poll results, provides an opportunity for you.  By contacting your legislators and telling them you would prefer to see the wealthiest Californians pay their fair share of taxes, rather than continue to see our colleges and schools crumble, you will help create a new understanding in Sacramento and a new direction to channel voter anger and frustrations with the economy.

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Legislative Scorecard

Each legislative session, the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, tallies the victories and defeats.  Here is the report.