limittaxes.org

CA Agency List

limittaxes — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:19:21 +0000

One of the prime goals of the National Tax-Limitation Committee is to support legislation and candidates/elected officials, that/whom fight to keep government’s size to “the right size” or optimal size. Below is a list of CA agencies and institutions (as of 2010). Is this how we manage to achieve “the right size”? We think not! Please help us in our fight against government over spending and help us protect the taxpayer!

ANY WONDER WHY CALIF. IS GOING BROKE?

California Academic Performance Index (API) California Access for Infants and MothersCalifornia Acupuncture Board California Administrative Office of the Courts California Adoptions Branch California African American Museum California Agricultural Export Program California Agricultural Labor Relations Board California Agricultural Statistics Service California Air Resources Board (CARB) California Allocation Board California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority California Animal Health and Food Safety Services California Anti-Terrorism Information CenterCalifornia Apprenticeship Council California Arbitration Certification Program California Architects Board California Area VI Developmental Disabilities Board California Arts Council California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus California Assembly Democratic Caucus California Assembly Republican Caucus California Athletic Commission * California Attorney General
Those are just the As. The rest are below the fold.

California Bay Conservation and Development Commission California Bay-Delta Authority California Bay-Delta Office California Biodiversity Council California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors California Board of Accountancy California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology California Board of Behavioral Sciences California Board of Chiropractic Examiners California Board of Equalization (BOE) California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection California Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind California Board of Occupational Therapy California Board of Optometry California Board of Pharmacy California Board of Podiatric Medicine California Board of Prison Terms California Board of PsychologyCalifornia Board of Registered Nursing California Board of Trustees California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians California Braille and Talking Book Library California Building Standards Commission California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education California Bureau of Automotive RepairCalifornia Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation California Bureau of Naturopathic MedicineCalifornia Bureau of Security and Investigative Services California Bureau of State Audits California Business Agency California Business Investment Services (CalBIS)California Business Permit Information (CalGOLD) California Business Portal California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency California Cal Grants California CalJOBSCalifornia Cal-Learn Program California CalVet Home Loan Program California Career Resource Network California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau California Center for Analytical Chemistry California Center for Distributed Learning California Center for Teaching Careers (Teach California) California Chancellors Office California Charter Schools California Children and Families Commission California Children and Family Services Division California Citizens Compensation Commission California Civil Rights Bureau California Coastal Commission California Coastal Conservancy California Code of Regulations California Collaborative Projects with UC Davis California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth California Commission on Aging California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers Compensation California Commission on Judicial Performance California Commission on State Mandates California Commission on Status of Women California Commission on Teacher Credentialing California Commission on the Status of Women California Committee on Dental AuxiliariesCalifornia Community Colleges Chancellors Office, Junior Colleges California Community Colleges Chancellors Office California Complaint Mediation ProgramCalifornia Conservation Corps California Constitution Revision Commission California Consumer Hotline California Consumer Information Center California Consumer Information California Consumer Services Division California Consumers and Families Agency California Contractors State License Board California Corrections Standards Authority California Council for the Humanities California Council on Criminal JusticeCalifornia Council on Developmental Disabilities California Court Reporters BoardCalifornia Courts of Appeal California Crime and Violence Prevention Center California Criminal Justice Statistics Center California Criminalist Institute Forensic LibraryCalifornia CSGnet Network Management California Cultural and Historical EndowmentCalifornia Cultural Resources Division California Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Branch California Data Exchange Center California Data Management Division California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission California Delta Protection CommissionCalifornia Democratic Caucus California Demographic Research Unit California Dental Auxiliaries California Department of Aging California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control California Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) California Department of Child Support Services (CDCSS)California Department of Community Services and Development California Department of Conservation California Department of Consumer Affairs California Department of Corporations California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation California Department of Developmental Services California Department of Education California Department of Fair Employment and Housing California Department of FinanceCalifornia Department of Financial Institutions California Department of Fish and GameCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) California Department of General Services California Department of General Services, Office of State Publishing California Department of Health Care Services California Department of Housing and Community Development California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) California Department of Insurance California Department of Justice Firearms Division California Department of Justice Opinion UnitCalifornia Department of Justice, Consumer Information, Public Inquiry Unit California Department of Justice California Department of Managed Health Care California Department of Mental Health California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) California Department of Personnel Administration California Department of Pesticide RegulationCalifornia Department of Public Health California Department of Real Estate California Department of Rehabilitation California Department of Social Services Adoptions Branch California Department of Social Services California Department of Technology Services Training Center (DTSTC) California Department of Technology Services (DTS)California Department of Toxic Substances Control California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVets)California Department of Water Resources California Departmento de Vehiculos Motorizados California Digital Library California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program California Division of Apprenticeship Standards California Division of Codes and Standards California Division of Communicable Disease Control California Division of Engineering California Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control California Division of Gambling Control California Division of Housing Policy Development California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement California Division of Labor Statistics and Research California Division of Land and Right of Way California Division of Land Resource Protection California Division of Law Enforcement General Library California Division of Measurement Standards California Division of Mines and Geology California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources California Division of Planning and Local Assistance California Division of Recycling California Division of Safety of DamsCalifornia Division of the State Architect California Division of Tourism California Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit California Division of Workers Compensation California Economic Assistance, Business and Community ResourcesCalifornia Economic Strategy Panel California Education and Training Agency California Education Audit Appeals Panel California Educational Facilities Authority California Elections Division California Electricity Oversight Board California Emergency Management Agency California Emergency Medical Services Authority California Employment Development Department (EDD) California Employment Information State Jobs California Employment Training Panel California Energy Commission California Environment and Natural Resources Agency California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) California Executive Office California Export Laboratory Services California Exposition and State Fair (Cal Expo) California Fair Political Practices Commission California Fairs and Expositions Division California Film Commission California Fire and Resource Assessment Program California Firearms Division California Fiscal Services California Fish and Game Commission California Fisheries Program Branch California Floodplain Management California Foster Youth Help California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)California Fraud Division California Gambling Control Commission California Geographic Information Systems Council (GIS) California Geological Survey California Government Claims and Victim Compensation Board California Governors Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons California Governors Mentoring Partnership California Governors Office of Emergency Services California Governors Office of Homeland SecurityCalifornia Governors Office of Planning and Research California Governors OfficeCalifornia Grant and Enterprise Zone Programs HCD Loan California Health and Human Services Agency California Health and Safety Agency California Healthy Families Program California Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau California High-Speed Rail AuthorityCalifornia Highway Patrol (CHP) California History and Culture Agency California Horse Racing Board California Housing Finance Agency California Indoor Air Quality ProgramCalifornia Industrial Development Financing Advisory Commission California Industrial Welfare Commission California InFoPeople California Information Center for the Environment California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank)California Inspection Services California Institute for County Government California Institute for Education Reform California Integrated Waste Management BoardCalifornia Interagency Ecological Program California Job Service California Junta Estatal de Personal California Labor and Employment Agency California Labor and Workforce Development Agency California Labor Market Information Division California Land Use Planning Information Network (LUPIN) California Lands Commission California Landscape Architects Technical Committee California Latino Legislative Caucus California Law Enforcement Branch California Law Enforcement General Library California Law Revision Commission California Legislative Analyst’s Office California Legislative Black Caucus California Legislative Counsel California Legislative Division California Legislative Information California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus California Legislature Internet Caucus California Library De velopment Services California License and Revenue Branch California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board California Maritime AcademyCalifornia Marketing Services California Measurement Standards California Medical Assistance Commission California Medical Care Services California Military DepartmentCalifornia Mining and Geology Board California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts California Museum Resource Center California National Guard California Native American Heritage Commission California Natural Community Conservation Planning Program California New Motor Vehicle Board California Nursing Home Administrator Program California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board California Ocean Resources Management Program California Office of Administrative Hearings California Office of Administrative Law California Office of AIDS California Office of Binational Border HealthCalifornia Office of Child Abuse Prevention California Office of Deaf Access California Office of Emergency Services (OES) California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment California Office of Fiscal Services California Office of Fleet AdministrationCalifornia Office of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Implementation (CalOHI) California Office of Historic Preservation California Office of Homeland Security California Office of Human Resources California Office of Legal Services California Office of Legislation California Office of Lieutenant GovernorCalifornia Office of Military and Aerospace Support California Office of Mine ReclamationCalifornia Office of Natural Resource Education California Office of Privacy ProtectionCalifornia Office of Public School Construction California Office of Real Estate Appraisers California Office of Risk and Insurance Management California Office of Services to the Blind California Office of Spill Prevention and Response California Office of State Publishing (OSP) California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development California Office of Systems Integration California Office of the Inspector General California Office of the Ombudsman California Office of the Patient AdvocateCalifornia Office of the President California Office of the Secretary for EducationCalifornia Office of the State Fire Marshal California Office of the State Public DefenderCalifornia Office of Traffic Safety California Office of Vital Records California Online Directory California Operations Control Office California Opinion Unit California Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) California Park and Recreation CommissionCalifornia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) California Performance Review (CPR) California Permit Information for Business (CalGOLD) California Physical Therapy Board California Physician Assistant Committee California Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services California Policy and Evaluation Division California Political Reform Division California Pollution Control Financing Authority California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California Postsecondary Education Commission California Prevention Services California Primary Care and Family Health California Prison Industry Authority California Procurement Division California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) California Real Estate Services DivisionCalifornia Refugee Programs Branch California Regional Water Quality Control BoardsCalifornia Registered Veterinary Technician Committee California Registrar of Charitable Trusts California Republican Caucus California Research and Development Division California Research Bureau California Resources Agency California Respiratory Care Board California Rivers Assessment California Rural Health Policy CouncilCalifornia Safe Schools California San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy California San Joaquin River Conservancy California School to CareerCalifornia Science Center California Scripps Institution of Oceanography California Secretary of State Business Portal California Secretary of State California Seismic Safety Commission California Self Insurance Plans (SIP) California Senate Office of Research California Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program California Small Business Development Center Program California Smart Growth Caucus California Smog Check Information Center California Spatial Information Library California Special Education Division California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR)California Standards and Assessment Division California State Administrative Manual (SAM) California State Allocation Board California State and Consumer Services Agency California State Architect California State Archives California State AssemblyCalifornia State Association of Counties (CSAC) California State Board of Education * California State Board of Food and Agriculture California Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) California State Children’s Trust Fund California State Compensation Insurance Fund California State Contracts Register Program California State Contracts Register California State Controller California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) California State Disability Insurance (SDI) California State Fair (Cal Expo) California State Jobs Employment Information California State Lands CommissionCalifornia State Legislative Portal California State Legislature California State Library Catalog California State Library Services Bureau California State Library California State Lottery California State Mediation and Conciliation Service California State Mining and Geology Board California State Park and Recreation Commission California State Parks California State Personnel Board California State Polytechnic University, PomonaCalifornia State Railroad Museum California State Science Fair California State SenateCalifornia State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) California State Summer School for the Arts California State Superintendent of Public InstructionCalifornia State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) California State TreasurerCalifornia State University Center for Distributed Learning California State University, Bakersfield California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Chico California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, East BayCalifornia State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge California State University, Sacramento California State University, San Bernardino California State University, San Marcos California State University, Stanislaus California State University (CSU) California State Water Project Analysis Office California State Water ProjectCalifornia State Water Resources Control Board California Structural Pest Control Board California Student Aid Commission California Superintendent of Public InstructionCalifornia Superior Courts California Tahoe Conservancy California Task Force on Culturally and Linguistically Competent Physicians and Dentists California Tax Information Center California Technology and Administration Branch Finance California Telecommunications Division California Telephone Medical Advice Services (TAMS)California Transportation Commission California Travel and Transportation AgencyCalifornia Unclaimed Property Program California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board California Unemployment Insurance Program California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission California Veterans Board California Veterans MemorialCalifornia Veterinary Medical Board and Registered Veterinary Technician Examining Committee California Veterinary Medical Board California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board California Volunteers California Voter Registration California Water Commission California Water Environment Association (COWPEA) California Water Resources Control Board California Welfare to Work Division California Wetlands Information System California Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis BranchCalifornia Wildlife Conservation Board California Wildlife Programs Branch California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) California Workers Compensation Appeals Board California Workforce and Labor Development AgencyCalifornia Workforce Investment Board California Youth Authority (CYA) Central Valley Flood Protection Board Center for California Studies Colorado River Board of CaliforniaCounting California Dental Board of California Health Insurance Plan of California (PacAdvantage) Humboldt State University Jobs with the State of California Judicial Council of California Learn California Library of California Lieutenant Governors Commission for One California Little Hoover Commission (on California State Government Organization and Economy) Medical Board of California Medi-CalOsteopathic Medical Board of California Physical Therapy Board of California Regents of the University of California San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy State Bar of California Supreme Court of California Teach California University of CaliforniaUniversity of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Hastings College of the Law University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, San Francisco University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz * Veterans Home of California

GAO FINDS THE FAT, WHO’S GOING TO TRIM IT?

limittaxes — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:04:03 +0000

It appears the only thing NOT being duplicated in the federal system, is copies of the Government Accountability Office’s March 2011 report entitled “Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue”, or simply report number 11-318SP. It would seem so since these programs are still in place, not-consolidated, and wasting more taxpayer money each day.

“The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the ‘congressional watchdog’ GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars.” Though their March 2011 report 11-318SP contained a wealth of information, much of which supports the recent Ryan-Camp budget plans ability to reduce spending without reductions in service, the recommendations have fallen on deaf ears in the Obama administration and to many in Congress.

As an example, the report discusses the opportunities to reduce costs and overlapping administrative functions within many (18) federal assistance programs.

From the report summary: “Domestic food and nutrition assistance is provided through a decentralized system of primarily 18 different federal programs that shows signs of overlap and inefficient use of resources. In addition to USDA, HHS, DHS, and multiple state and local government and nonprofit organizations work together to administer a complex network of programs and providers. GAO has found that some of these programs provide comparable benefits to similar or overlapping populations. For example, individuals eligible for groceries through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program are also generally eligible for groceries through the Emergency Food Assistance Program and for targeted benefits that are redeemed in authorized stores through the largest program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP—formerly the Food Stamp Program). The availability of multiple programs with similar benefits helps ensure that those in need have access to nutritious food, but can also increase administrative costs, which account for approximately a tenth to more than a quarter of total costs among the largest of these programs. In addition, GAO’s previous work has shown that overlap among programs can lead to inefficient use of federal funds, duplication of effort, and confusion among those seeking services.”

VIEW FULL SUMMARY

VIEW FULL REPORT

These 18 different programs, that spent 62 billion tax payer dollars in 2008 alone, could be cut and or consolidated without hurting those they are designed to help. How is this not a priority? GAO also states that 11 programs have not even been properly evaluated/studied, leading one to believe there are even more opportunities than listed.

The USDA has not done its job, but now the House Republicans can. Hearings aimed at cutting costs, improving service and devolving the nutrition function to the states with finite block grants (like HR 4160, the “State Health Flexibility Act”) would do the trick. It’s time to act!

NTLC PRESIDENT LEW UHLER COMMENTS ON GOP 2013 BUDGET

limittaxes — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:53:44 +0000

March 20, 2012

National Tax-Limitation Committee President & Founder Lew Uhler released a press release today that included his comments on the 2013 GOP budget recently released. In the release Uhler stated “While the Obama budget projects deficits and an increasing debt burden as far as the eye cab see, the Ryan-Camp budget cuts spending, spurs economic growth and reduces the public debt from historic highs.”

VIEW THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

Uhler Supports BOE Member Runner’s Fuel Tax Limitation Effort

limittaxes — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:21:13 +0000

National Tax-Limitation Committee President Lew Uhler offered his support to California Board of Equalization member George Runner in his effort to limit fuel taxes Californians pay at the pump to the first $4.00 per gallon.

Uhler stated “Without limits, government always tries to take more and more of our money. It’s time we said ‘Enough is enough.’ The double tax on gasoline – geared to price changes – creates a perverse windfall for the government big spenders precisely when rising gas prices hurt consumers most. Capping the gas tax will help California taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars where they belong-in their own pockets.”

For the full press release CLICK HERE

Visit BOE Member George Runner’s website HERE

NATIONAL TAX-LIMITATION COMMITTEE (NTLC) PRESIDENT LEW UHLER ENDORSES DAVID LARSEN FOR CONGRESS

limittaxes — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:00:02 +0000

Roseville, CA (PRBuzz.com) March 14, 2012 — Respected taxpayer champion Lew Uhler, President of the National Tax Limitation Committee, has announced his endorsement of successful small businessman and Right Direction Organization Chairman, David Larsen, for congress.

On learning of the Uhler endorsement, David Larsen commented, “I am honored to have earned the endorsement of Lew Uhler. Lew has been a steadfast champion for the taxpayer as a tireless advocate for smaller government and low taxes. Lew and I agree, big government’s big spending is robbing the taxpayer of money that is best left in the private sector, not in the government. As I campaign throughout the district, voters are saying how important it is that we cut government spending and change the direction of our country; and to that I am duly committed.”

Announcing his support, National Tax Limitation Committee President, Lew Uhler said, “David’s principles, core convictions and his commitment to changing the direction of America through the elimination of wasteful, duplicative and failing big government programs, stifling regulations and a crushing tax burden that inhibits economic growth and private-sector job creation, distinguishes him from a majority of those presently serving in Congress.”

About The National Tax Limitation Committee

NTLC has been standing-up for the taxpayer for more than 35 years as an advocate for reduced spending and low taxes. Its mission has been to provide national leadership to achieve the optimal size and functions of government and promote candidates and initiatives that support these goals. For more information on the National Tax Limitation Committee, visit www.limittaxes.org

About David Larsen

David Larsen is seeking the Republican nomination of U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. A principled conservative, David Larsen is campaigning to cut spending, create jobs, and restore the American Dream. A husband, father, and successful businessman, David Larsen has proven job creation experience and is an outspoken champion for less government. He and his wife Donna reside in Tewksbury Township. For more information on David Larsen, visitwww.davidlarsenforcongress.com.

For more information, contact:

Bob Basmadjian

David Larsen for Congress

+1 908.823.9400

bob@electlarsen.com

###

NTLC ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR “THE STATE HEALTH FLEXIBILITY ACT”

limittaxes — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:04:21 +0000

In a letter posted March 14, 2012, National Tax Limitation Committee President, Lew Uhler, urged members of congress and taxpayers alike to support HR 4160 “The State Health Flexibility Act”.

VIEW THE LETTER HERE

VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

VIEW THE REPUBLICAN STUDY COMMITTEE HR: 4160 INFORMATION PAGE

PLF BRIEF TO SUPREME COURT TARGETS FEDERAL HEALTH-INSURANCE MANDATE

limittaxes — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:13:48 +0000

Timothy Sandefur Principal Attorney

Pacific Legal Foundation, the National Tax Limitation Committee, and the Cato Institute, along with a number of other pro-freedom organizations, today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the individual mandate provision of the new federal health care law.

In an amicus brief, the organizations contend that the mandate — requiring virtually every American who is not covered by an employer to buy government-dictated health insurance — exceeds Congress’ authority under the Constitution’s Commerce Clause.

“The individual mandate represents an unprecedented expansion of federal power,” explained PLF Principal Attorney Timothy Sandefur, who co-authored the brief. “The Constitution does not give Congress the power to force people to buy or sell things. If the mandate is upheld, the door will be open to all kinds of economic mandates, with D.C. bureaucrats dictating our most personal decisions.”

Today’s filing is the eleventh brief that PLF attorneys have filed in various cases challenging the individual mandate. “PLF is the most active organization in the country opposing the individual mandate,” said Sandefur, who was recently named an Appellate Lawyer of the Week by the National Law Journal’s Tony Mauro in recognition of his work on this issue. “We’ve filed more briefs in more courts nationwide than any other organization involved in the health care lawsuits.”

PLF also represents Iowa small-business owner Matt Sissel in a lawsuit against the mandate. That case has been stayed pending the Supreme Court’s decision.

PLF is joined by renowned taxpayer champion

Along with other freedom-oriented groups, PLF is joined on the Supreme Court brief by the California-based National Tax Limitation Committee (NTLC), one of the nation’s oldest and most strategically oriented pro-taxpayer/entrepreneur organizations. Established in 1975, NTLC grew out of the work that Founder and President Lew Uhler, in alliance with then-California Governor Ronald Reagan, undertook to devise strategies to control the size and growth of government. As Uhler noted, “NTLC’s mission is to limit and control taxes and spending, so as to enhance the power and freedom of individuals and their enterprises. We are pleased to be working, once again, in concert with PLF to further that mission. The objective here, of getting the health insurance mandate recognized as unconstitutional, not only advances liberty but will help terminate this bloated, overreaching, and budget-breaking federal program.”

Some of the other organizations on the brief include: Cato Institute; Competitive Enterprise Institute; Committee for Justice; Arkansas Policy Foundation; Commonwealth Foundation (Pennsylvania); Montana Policy Institute; North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law; and Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute.

The case is Department of Health & Human Services v. Florida. The Supreme Court has announced that it will hear oral arguments in the case over three days, March 26-28. PLF’s amicus brief, and other information, may be found at PLF’s website: www.pacificlegal.org.

About Pacific Legal Foundation
Donor-supported Pacific Legal Foundation is the leading watchdog organization that litigates for limited government and free enterprise, in courts across the country.

PLF attorneys are currently before the U.S. Supreme Court in a high-profile challenge to overreaching government regulations, Sackett v. EPA. Oral argument was held on January 9, and a decision is expected in spring or early summer. This is the seventh time in our history that a PLF case for liberty and limited government has been heard at the nation’s highest court.

JERRY’S LEGACY?

limittaxes — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:05:04 +0000

Many people want to “put a dent in the universe,” as the late Steve Jobs described his vocation. But few such people also have the capacity to put a huge dent in government finances.

One who does is Gov. Jerry Brown, with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, a project costing at least $98 billion and commonly described here and elsewhere as a “boondoggle.” The CHSRA was given a green light by voters in 2008 when they passed Proposition 1A, authorizing $9.95 billion in taxpayer-backed bonds to begin the project. The rest of the money is supposed to come from federal money ($3.5 billion already pledged by the Obama administration), private investment and pixie dust.

According to an Associated Press story, even though the CHRSA came into being before Gov. Brown assumed his current office, he has “emerged as the most vocal cheerleader of a project that is as risky as it is ambitious. Building a first-in-the-nation project would provide a lasting legacy for the 73-yearold Democratic governor as he moves into the twilight of a long political career. His father is revered for promoting the construction of California’s comprehensive water system and expanding the state’s higher education system into a national model.”

“He calls it a legacy; I call it lunacy,” Lew Uhler told us of the governor’s rail advocacy. Mr. Uhler is the president of the Roseville-based National Tax Limitation Committee. “It has nothing to do with anything his father would remotely touch.”

Mr. Uhler pointed out that the California university system was paid for largely through taxes. But the projects most similar to the CHSRA, the state’s road and water projects, were paid for by users through gas taxes and charges to water bills. These projects also benefited all Californians.

And according to a January analysis by the California State Auditor, “However, the Authority’s process for overseeing the development of the (2012 ridership) model lacked transparency, which may raise investor concern about the model’s credibility. Moreover, the Authority has yet to fully address questions about the accuracy of the model’s long term projections.” Nobody really knows how many people will board the choo-choo — if it’s ever built.

That’s different from his father’s projects. It was fairly easy to make projections in the 1950s about how many people in coming decades would be using state water, roads and universities

The real way Gov. Jerry Brown should imitate Gov. Pat Brown is by running leaner budgets that deliver the services already promised.

HOORAY FOR HIGH GAS PRICES

limittaxes — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:42 +0000

No! I don’t like high pump prices anymore than anyone else. BUT, gas price increases are the clearest possible signal of the failed policies of Barack Obama.

He stopped oil drilling in the gulf.
He opposes drilling in Alaska.
He rejected the Keystone Pipeline.
His regulators are doing everything in their power to slow down natural gas and petroleum development in the shale areas of the United States.

So gasoline prices are now a political barometer for Obama. The higher they go the less likely Obama is to be re-elected. I’m probably not the only one who will be rooting for $6.00/gal gas by November.

______ Lew Uhler.

MEMO FOR THE MOVEMENT

limittaxes — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:27:16 +0000

A Transportation Bill should not be used as an Opportunity to Increase Federal Spending

RE: The next transportation reauthorization is shaping up to be yet another big spending boondoggle. Despite four straight trillion dollar annual deficits, Congress refuses to accept the need to budget responsibly and prioritize transportation spending. Instead, both the House (H.R.7) and Senate (S.1813) are working on bills that will almost certainly require yet another bailout of the Highway Trust Fund, costing taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. It is unacceptable to exceed Highway Trust Fund revenues by relying on budget gimmicks, fee diversions and unknown future revenues. Any transportation bill passed by Congress should focus on containing costs, reducing federal burdens and turning transportation policy, planning and funding back to the states.

ISSUE IN BRIEF: The 2005 highway bill – dubbed SAFETEA-LU – was larded with earmarks, dramatically increased spending and continued the centralization of control. It was rightly seen as a symbol of how Republicans in Washington had lost their way; and by 2006, many Americans saw no discernable difference between Washington Republicans and Washington Democrats. The current debate is an opportunity for Congress to demonstrate to the American people that they heard the message sent by the American people in 2010.

The facts on the Highway Trust Fund:

According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), “The financial estimates associated with [the 2005 transportation bill] SAFETEA have proved to be overly optimistic. The highway account has already required three transfers from the general fund totaling $29.7 billion…” A general fund bailout results in an increased burden on taxpayers and an increase in our nation’s debt.

The Highway Trust Fund (HTF) is funded through various taxes, most notably the federal gas tax, and is projected to take in an average of $38.6 billion per year over the next five years, or $193.2 billion. Any spending above that would require an additional revenue stream or a general fund bailout.

The CRS also notes, “Using any of these, however, would weaken the claim that road users pay the cost of the federal highway program.” Breaking this link would weaken the ability of small-government conservatives to keep transportation spending in check.

There is an estimated $15.6 billion of unspent funds the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) that House and Senate drafters rely on to close their funding gap. The use of those funds to offset massive spending should be viewed as typical “Washington bookkeeping.”

No earmarks, but….

While neither the House nor Senate bill contain any earmarks, they are extremely problematic from a spending standpoint and neither goes far enough toward turning back authority to the states.

The House bill – American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R.7) – would authorize $262.8 billion over five years, or $52.6 billion per year. Over the next five years, outlays would outpace revenues by $69.6 billion.

Seven months ago, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) unveiled a six-year, $230 billion proposal. At $38.3 billion per year, that proposal would have stayed within HTF.

Even using the unspent HTF money, the House bill would require what amounts to a $54 billion bailout. At least on paper, the inclusion of future energy revenues (spend now, offset later) and various other fee diversions will make up the difference. Conservatives and taxpayers are right to be skeptical.

The Senate bill – Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (S.1813) – would authorize $109 billion over two years, or $54.5 billion per year. Over the next two years, outlays would outpace revenues by $33.3 billion.

Even using the unspent HTF money, the Senate bill would require what amounts to a $17.7 billion bailout. At least on paper, the inclusion of various tax increases and fee diversions will make up the difference. Tax increases are undesirable, and conservatives and taxpayers are right to be skeptical.

Why Conservatives Should Be Opposed:

Conservatives should be opposed to both the House and Senate bills because of the excessive spending alone. The new revenues – whether via energy production or tax increases on IRAs – take us in the wrong direction. Anything short of reining in excess spending sends the wrong message to Americans, who overwhelmingly believe Washington spends far too much.

Overspending on transportation will cause a significant ripple effect in the conservative agenda. Not only does the House bill ignore the priorities put forth in the Ryan Budget, which they adopted last year, but it would also create problems for the drafting of this year’s budget.

Finally, given the construction of the interstate highway system was completed in the early eighties, it is time to focus on turning back transportation policy, planning and funding to the states. Local lawmakers – not those in Washington – are best suited to address transportation priorities such as increased mobility, safety, and congestion relief.

For Additional Information on the Transportation Reauthorization, please visit the following links:

http://heritageaction.com/2012/02/flashback-mica%E2%80%99s-july-transportation-proposal/

http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/02/09/house-conservatives-support-barack-obamas-latest-stimulus

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/02/transportation-program-reauthorization-another-big-spending-problem

http://www.redstate.com/russvought/2012/01/30/house-conservatives-need-to-block-the-coming-highway-bailout/

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/290427/highway-robbery-republicans-michael-tanner

http://townhall.com/columnists/danholler/2012/02/06/big_dollars_for_transportation/

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/289905/big-government-republicans-andrew-c-mccarthy

http://heritageaction.com/2012/02/house-transportation-bill-falls-short/

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/02/turn-back-transportation-to-the-states

http://blog.heritage.org/2012/02/08/senate-chairmans-mark-and-transportation-bill-off-target/

http://heritageaction.com/2012/02/a-54-billion-bailout/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CONSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATISM VISIT: WWW.THEMOUNTVERNONSTATEMENT.COM