George Runner There’s been no shortage of attempts in recent years in the State Legislature to overhaul Proposition 13 – California’s landmark initiative protecting homeowners and small business owners from out of control property taxes. Multiple bills have taken aim at the proposition,...

George Runner As a lifelong conservative, I’m no fan of government regulation. Even so, I’m convinced it’s time for California to aggressively regulate the medical marijuana industry. I’ve spoken with concerned citizens, local government officials, rural law enforcement officers,...

George Runner In early May, Los Angeles Times columnist Michael Hiltzik unfairly criticized a State Board of Equalization-supported proposal to simplify property tax assessment of airline property in California. As elected Board members and former legislators, we write to set the record straight. Senate...

George Runner It must be silly season in Sacramento. As the state receives billions in unanticipated revenues, liberal tax-and-spend lawmakers are proposing massive tax hikes, proving once again they are out of touch. One key measure of reality ignored by liberal lawmakers is Tax Freedom Day. Calculated...

George Runner Democrats in the California Legislature seem to be facing the reality that the fire tax they passed with the governor’s help in 2011 is unfair. Californians who live in rural areas rely on a range of public services from multiple levels of government to combat fires. These residents...

George Runner If you own a hybrid or electric vehicle, you probably feel pretty good about yourself. After all, you’ve made a socially responsible decision to help the environment, reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality. But you might feel a bit guilty, too. After all, you are in...

George Runner If high taxes guaranteed results, then California should have some of the best roads in the nation. For years we’ve had one of the highest gas taxes – yet our freeways consistently receive failing grades. It makes no sense unless you admit that high taxes don’t guarantee...

George Runner With prices at the pump heading back up, news of a possible cut to the state’s gas tax will surely cheer California drivers. On Tuesday, the State Board of Equalization will consider a proposal to cut the state’s gas tax by 7.5 cents a gallon. The proposal stems from a complicated...

George Runner After years of debt, deficits and budget cuts, it may come as a surprise to learn that our state government is flush with cash. But you wouldn’t know it by the talk of tax increases coming out of Sacramento. First the facts: * California is outspending other states – As the...

George Runner So why is it that while other states are now enjoying gas prices of less than $2 per gallon, California is still paying higher prices? Due to high taxes and costly regulations, our state’s gas prices are higher than other states. It’s been that way for years. But what’s...