Angelides Discusses Tax Proposal

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Angelides on Tuesday discussed his state tax proposal and attributed some problems in California to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) relationship with pharmaceutical companies, HMOs, insurers and other interest groups, the Fresno Bee reports.

Angelides said that middle-income California residents pay a larger portion of state and local taxes than upper-income state residents at a time when middle-income residents are trying to manage increasing health care, gasoline and college tuition costs.

Angelides said his proposal would reduce taxes by about $660 annually for state residents who have annual incomes lower than $100,000 (Lopez, Fresno Bee, 8/23).