May 13, 2008

Bass targets state's tax system

New Assembly Speaker Karen Bass will urge legislators to “take the fear out of California’s future” and consider restructuring the tax system.

Bass, D-Los Angeles, has prepared a nearly 10-minute acceptance speech for her swearing-in ceremony today.

Her office released the following excerpt:

“California is a giant in crisis – and now it is up to us to solve that crisis. It is up to us to take the fear out of California’s future.

“If we can mobilize our resources to respond to major disasters like Northridge and Whittier and Loma Prieta – we must be able to respond to the budget crisis….

“Members, we have to respond to the current economic crisis in the same way we would a natural disaster.

“We have to toss aside the boxes we put ourselves in and the labels we place on others and come together to get the job done.

“I believe that part of that job has got to involve looking at the big picture and really examining California’s overall economic structure.

“Most importantly, we have to ask the question of whether a tax structure that was established in the 1930s is sufficient to meet the needs of Californians in 2008.

“The weight of history is not just on my shoulders.

“As we all move forward, it should be with the understanding that a society will be judged on the way it cares for its people.

“As speaker, I want you to judge me on how I am able to bring together the best of your talents, your experience, and yes – the best of your hearts – to help build the kind of society that California deserves.”

Posted by Jim Sanders on May 13, 2008 10:45 AM