Tax reform, welfare rule, troubled brew

Get behind effort to reform taxes

Re “California needs to begin effort to fix tax system” (Editorials, June 14): There is a clear place to start reforming our tax code. The split property tax roll would make the system more progressive by hitting big businesses that are currently not paying their fair share of property taxes and have significantly lower rates than their neighbors.

The property tax is one of the most stable taxes, fluctuating much less than the income tax or the sales tax. Despite having a minimal negative economic impact, the split roll will bring in billions of dollars.

Since this reform would maintain Proposition 13 protections for homeowners, and there are clear benefits with few drawbacks, this should be an easy reform for Californians to get behind.

Reform tax system, don’t raise taxes

The Sacramento Bee is right: California’s tax system is in deep need of reform. It’s too volatile, rates are too high, and other states like Florida and Texas continue to siphon away our jobs. We need a tax system that spurs, rather than stifles, innovation and job creation.

I’m concerned, however, that money-hungry lawmakers will use the call for reform as an excuse to raise taxes. Our tax system is convoluted and hard to understand. To this end the governor and Legislature must commit to consider only revenue-neutral ideas that don’t increase Californians’ overall tax burden.

Yes, it’s time to revamp our tax system. But can we trust the Legislature to get it right? If they get it wrong, lawmakers could inflict great harm on California’s economy, job creators and workers.

Repeal of welfare rule hurts families

Re “An ineffective and humiliating welfare law finally ends” (Editorials, June 15): The Legislature’s repeal of the “maximum family grant” was myopic. Economically challenged citizens apply for public assistance because they can’t afford to provide for themselves or their children. For the state to encourage these families to have more children defies logic. Having another baby while preparing to compete for a decent job will only sink families deeper into poverty, and $135 per month won’t mitigate that reality.

For the state to send a message to recipients that it’s OK to continue their pattern of unwise decisions is bad policy. The repeal of MFG not only betrays taxpayers, it hurts rather than helps recipients, and wastes $200 million a year that would be much better spent on child care and early education for existing children.

Special Ed’s should change its name

Re “Special Ed’s says sorry but keeps its name” (Local, June 15): How could anyone grant a business license to establish a brewery called “Special Ed’s”? This business will use images referencing buses transporting people with disabilities and bottles that read “ ’tard tested, ’tard approved.”

The disability community is not laughing.

We are outraged that the city granted this license. Naming a business to mock placement in special education or the need to take specialized transportation is intolerable. Change the name.

The National Down Syndrome Society is the largest nonprofit fighting for the human rights of people with Down syndrome, and we maintain a zero tolerance policy against stereotyping. Freedom of speech doesn’t equate freedom of hate, and this derogatory language perpetuates hate and disrespect.

Our population continues to defy expectations by pursuing college, seeking employment, getting married and living independently.

Pejorative speech sets us back decades.

This story was originally published June 16, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Tax reform, welfare rule, troubled brew."