Now Is ‘Worst Time’ for Tax Hike Proposals, Editorial Says

According to an Orange County Register editorial, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) "pulled a fast one" when he and Democrats passed a measure (SB 1039) that moves constitutional amendments near the top of the voting ballot. The editorial states that Brown's comprise tax hike initiative is considered a constitutional amendment and that the budget measure will ensure that the compromise plan appears before a rival tax increase proposal by attorney Molly Munger. According to the editorial, "The Brown-Munger political mud-wrestling contest is bound to hurt them both." It adds, "[W]ith California's economic recovery weak at best, this is the worst time for a tax increase."

• "Editorial: Underhanded Way To Top of California Ballot" (Orange County Register, 7/2).