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California already imposes the highest state income tax in America, with a top marginal rate of 13.3% that rises to an effective 14.4% on certain wage income. Instead of providing tax relief, Sacramento politicians want to make California’s high-tax policies permanent and impose even more taxes.

Proposition 3 would permanently extend “temporary” income tax increases that were scheduled to expire in 2031, locking in billions of dollars in higher taxes every year. Proposition 40 would create an unprecedented tax on accumulated wealth, targeting businesses, investments, intellectual property, artwork and other assets.

California doesn’t have a revenue problem — it has a spending problem. Higher taxes will drive more families, entrepreneurs, employers and investors out of the state, shrinking the tax base and weakening the economy.

The California Republican Party believes taxpayers deserve relief, not higher taxes. We oppose extending already excessive income tax rates, creating new wealth taxes and every statewide ballot proposition that raises taxes or expands Sacramento’s ability to take more money from California families and businesses.

This November, I suggest voting no on every statewide tax increase.

Mike Lelieur 

Chairman, Santa Cruz County Republican Party