DeSaulnier argues for new taxes

Senator Mark DeSaulnier on Wednesday, in the midst of the California budget crisis, argued for SB 406 in a Transportation Sub Committee hearing to raise taxes without a two-thirds vote in the Assembly on Vehicle license fees. The money would be used specifically to fund regional “smarty growth” planning.

That DeSaulnier argues this is not a tax but a fee is bad enough, but to argue for even more taxes on people during the California budget crisis is simply ham- fisted and tone deaf.

SB 406 would authorize a municipal planning organization or council of governments to adopt a resolution to impose a $2 motor vehicle registration surcharge on vehicles registered in the entity’s jurisdiction that would be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Among others, the Department of Motor Vehicles spoke against the bill saying it was confusing as to who would do what when. The Bill was passed out of committee. The League of Cities questioned the democratic representation of the regional boards.

This wasn’t the only bullshit on display as another Assembly hearing debated cowtails.

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