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65 Responses to “Governor’s Budget Proposal Targets Golfers”

1. JQ writes:
   

   what kind of taxes is the governor proposing? Increases tax rate for sale items at golf courses? Golf merchandise taxes? increases taxes per round of golf?

   November 7th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    

2.  

   Scott Seward writes:
   

   JQ – The Governor’s proposal has yet to be clearly defined so we don’t have answers to all of your questions now.

   As to sale items at golf courses, such as golf merchandise, they are already subject to sales tax. This is why the article says that golfers already pay their fair share. Please stay tuned for further information and a possible “call to action.”

   Thanks

   November 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

    

3. S. Smoot writes:
   

   The Governator has hinted of this for a bit. With ideas of increasing sales tax to an incredible 9.75%! I own a few small business that are already subject to state and local taxes and this news scares me. I love golf but with the economy in the state it is many of us have less money to spend on it… Raising taxes for general things as well as targeting industries that are skating on ice will just have these facilities enduring more hardships and will ultimatly help reduce the golfing public and the facilities they have to choose from. With golf shops closing, courses barely scraping by this is going to be a massive hurdle. I understand his term has not gone perfectly well…spending and spending and now he needs to make ends meet, but this will ultimatly destroy CA business and economy.

   At least our highways are wider and smoother…LOL

   Native Californians will flee since new business will NOT want to set up shop here and many will just relocate! Keep CA what it is and keep Californians here!

   November 7th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    

4.  

   Scott Seward writes:
   

   Thanks for contributing. Stay tuned and we will post more information as it becomes available.

   November 7th, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    

5. PlaneTruth Staff writes:
   

   I wonder if the governator plays golf.. wouldn’t you think his swing motion a little awkward?

   November 7th, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    

6. t m writes:
   

   Can they tax a divot?

   November 7th, 2008 at 5:34 pm

    

7. The Moz writes:
   

   i guess the governor doesn’t play golf….but how come STEROIDS are being TAXED????

   November 7th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    

8. DeadAimSF writes:
   

   In response to Planetruth I think the Governator probably lines up to the right but when he swings he ends up pulling it to the left….

   November 8th, 2008 at 8:42 am

    

9. Struggling_Golfer writes:
   

   I am finally managing to bring my handicap down under 20. I already have a hard time justifying the cost of golf which is why I have the high handicap. I guess the governor plans on making the decision of quitting golf for me. I don’t know how that will impact the golf industry if there are many like me who can barely afford the hobby now. My guess is, not well. So, if this is the case and golf becomes a more ailing industry, I suppose we will then have to find another industry to tax. Once we kill that new industry, we will tax another and another. Eventually, I guess we will be Communists…. Thanks Governator…….

   November 8th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

    

10. B L writes:
    

    Not only does Ahhhhhhhnold want to tax our golf, he also wants to tax our post round cocktails at 5 cents a drink. Why not throw a tax on our stoogies too? Thank god only us rich white guys play golf.

    November 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am

     

11. Tom Lang writes:
    

    What utter nonsense to claim that “unfair to single out California’s golfers, who already pay a fair share of taxes”. No one has singled out golfers. The taxes for golfers is no higher (or lower) than anyone else. The article implies that the tax increase somehow applies in a special way to golfers. As Scott says, the “proposal has yet to be clearly defined” so how can you already be against it. This seems like an anti-tax knee-jerk reaction to me.

    Did I miss somethinng?

    November 9th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

     

12.  

    Hilary Heieck writes:
    

    Thanks for your comments Tom. Yes, the budget proposal does focus on golf. Golfers were signaled out by the Governor for a tax that has never existed, a tax for unspecified services which may include green fees.

    The California sales tax is already the highest in the nation and golfers already absorb it when buying goods in the pro shop. We don’t know how far it extends but we do know the proposed tax will be unfavorable for golf.

    November 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm

     

13. Ralph Caggiano writes:
    

    Well, the problem is that when Arnold took office he tried to get things back on track. The unions opposed his every proposal, the people who we keep voting into our state senate also opposed the proposals, and now we are in this mess. Yes, the downturn in the economic market with the housing crisis is partially to blame, but we as Californians keep voting in the same group and where has it gotten us? Boxer, Feinstein, Nunez, McClintock, etc. I don’t care what side you lean they refuse to work for our greater good and now they are being forced to make a mess out of the big mess they created.

    Arnold did play golf at one point, not in a long while, but I understand he held a handicap of 23.

    November 10th, 2008 at 8:32 am

     

14. Gary Lavagnino writes:
    

    Most of us already pay tons of taxes. When the press mentions income, it seems they point to a single male earner and if makes more than $125,000, he’s rich and not middle class. But income tax or taxable income is base on both wage earners, so add up your spouse’s income which can be $125K, then add in interest from checking accounts, CDs, etc. and that is our Real Taxable Income. Now an average in California is probably 25% to the Feds, then 9%-10% to the State for INCOME TAX, then 8.5% average sales tax, then property tax is about 3-6% ($400,000 house at 1% = $4,000 per year), then gobs of taxes on phone bills, PGE/SCE, cable, smog tests, state park fees, parking meters, huge taxes on hotels in SF, etc. Add them all up and its probably at least 50% (Fed 25% + State Income 9% + State Sales 8% = 43% alone!). So lets get the millions of golfers to somehow have one voice and inform (not tell, lets be nice) our Governor, no more taxes please or we will play golf in Orgeon or Nevada or Arizona ..

    November 10th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

     

15. NorCal Joe writes:
    

    The governor has probably played in AZ since they already tax green fees there. Most likely the idea came from there?

    November 10th, 2008 at 7:12 pm

     

16. Alan Brooks writes:
    

    Ralph hit it. WE keep voting in politicians that promise to solve all our problems for us, and WE keep listening to them. Schwarzenegger is simply the messenger here. Our problems stem from the actions (and inaction’s) of our legislature and their response to the special interests that provide them with the funding to keep their self-aggrandizing jobs. California’s economy has been in a downward spiral ever since the cutback in defense spending in the state in the 90’s and then the dot-com bust. Coupled with a dramatic change in demographics in the state that resulted in a higher and higher percentage of low income citizens (who absorb huge amounts of social services and contribute, on average, far less than that to the economy). Gary mentioned the property tax we pay. Remember Proposition 13? WE approved that disastrous exercise in self gratification, and may never recover from the consequences. For those of you not old enough to remember, California used to have one of the best school systems IN THE NATION!

    So don’t blast Schwarzenegger – he’s simply doing his job. Golfers tend to be in the higher end of the income scale. Do I like paying more for golf? Of course not. But I’m going to like it even less when police and fire departments and school funding are slashed when the demand for those services is skyrocketing and the money is simply not there.

    November 10th, 2008 at 8:05 pm

     

17. Kevin M writes:
    

    The biggest factor with our local and state representatives inability to balance the books, is that they won’t take personal responsibility in reducing spending. When was the last time you heard a government agency, or politician taking a pay cut or reducing their fat retirement package. In addition, every public agency, when, at the end of their fiscal year, has more assets than expenses, finds away to justify additional expenses to justify their next year budget increase. We need independent auditing of all government agencies. A real leader, would exercise that option and publish the results for all tax payers to see. WHERE IS OUR LEADERSHIP. VOTE ME IN AND I’LL CLEAN HOUSE FOR REAL.

    November 10th, 2008 at 8:49 pm

     

18. Richard Wiebe writes:
    

    In response to Tom’s comment about golfers being “singled out” by the sales tax proposal, golf is the only sport whose participants would be taxed. If golfers are taxed, why not skiers, bowlers, tennis players, fitness center patrons, little leaguers, soccer players, etc.?

    November 11th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

     

19. Denny B writes:
    

    I agree with Wiebe. Don’t single out golfers to solve a state budget crisis. A sales tax increase will effect everyone, a special green fees tax will be a double whammy for the golfing industry. That is absurd.

    I may be confused here but it would seem to me that green fees are already taxed at the sales tax level. You don’t see it on your receipt but I have to think that the golf courses build the sales tax into the green fees to cover their tax reporting liability. Correct me if I am wrong here.

    You have to wonder why we spend billions to build more prisons and upgrade convict health care when our streets are full of homeless people begging for food. I say we build a compound somewhere in the wide open spaces and put all the convicts in trailers that they build themselves. Fence off about 100 square miles and monitor it with GPS electronics. Make them grow all their own food, raise all their own chickens, and goats, and pigs, and beef and so on. That would end the budget crisis overnight.

    November 11th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

     

20. Eunice Aikman writes:
    

    ………and so it goes when the state is in crisis establish another tax. What next ?! How about baseball games, there are many many more folks at baseball games and then how about all the beer and dogs they consume, oh and lets not forget football games and then i guess we ought to include the kids sports. It goes on and on.

    November 11th, 2008 at 6:41 pm

     

21. Emily writes:
    

    First of all California does not have the highest sales tax in the nation. People should check their facts, which is easy to do on the internet these days. Second of all, if the budget crisis can be helped by raising sales taxes aimed at golfers then so be it!!! The Govenor probably realizes that golfers are some of the richest people on the planet and do any of you people realize what a serious crisis we are actually in??? California schools have already taken a huge hits especially at the grade school level. The new proposal for schools is to drastically cut the school year down. Instead of crying over your increased prices for your hobbies why don’t you take a look at who is really in trouble. Why have we become a nation of such greed and selfishness????? What about putting the kids of California first. They should be our first priority. After all, they are the future of our state and America. Have you noticed the priority that other countries put on education? We are doomed to fall behind and become one of the stupidest nations on this planet!!!!! Think about that!!!!!

    November 12th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

     

22. Paul writes:
    

    Maybe the Governor should consider imposing a sales tax on the entertainment industry, including movie theaters.

    November 12th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

     

23. Mike writes:
    

    The Governor’s proposal is in line with a lot of states that charge a sales tax on a round of golf. I travel all over the country and in many states the green fees are subject to a sales/city/county/use type tax. Golfing although a great sport is still a luxury and as such comes under the umbrella of activities that government feels it can tax. Placing taxes on various activities is a subversive method of taxation as it lets the politicians get away with saying we didn’t raise income taxes (which share the tax burden equally) versus a use tax which targets certain industries. What happens to those industries when they are in the arena of elective is a decline in spending or even quiting the activity. This is versus a tax like on gas or food, which everyone consumes so the decline is minimal. The reality is no one wants to title as a tax politician so they go after all other activities to tax as currently expenditures are way under revenues.

    November 12th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

     

24. keith writes:
    

    I did check the sales taxes of all the states and California is the highest at 7.5%. http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales.html I also agree that if golf is taxed all sports and leisure activity that people pay to play should be taxed as well.

    Since the unions and special interests basically run the state and won’t renegotiate their packages it seems it’s up to citizens that aren’t special or part of a protected group to make up the difference. Let’s at least make sure that golf is not the only specific activity that is targeted to pay additional taxes.

    November 12th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

     

25. Matt writes:
    

    It looks like he’s going to charge sales tax on green fees. That doesn’t seem like a “massive” tax increase. I play a lot of golf and don’t mind sacrificing a little during these hard times.

    November 13th, 2008 at 2:34 pm

     

26. Marc writes:
    

    Mo tax, mo tax, mo tax…. When will it end. They tax the gas we buy to get to the golf course, the clothes we wear to golf, our clubs, balls, tees, gloves, smokes, beer, soda and water. You figure out how much tax you paid for that round of golf. I think we pay enough already. It wasn’t so long ago that our Gov. was kicked out of office for alot less…… Time to let our voices be heard. Lets flood Sacramento with emails.

    November 13th, 2008 at 5:17 pm

     

27. Carl Vandrie writes:
    

    This would disproportionately target retired golfers who are already on a fixed income. If passed I would be forced to reduce the number of rounds played as well as merchandise purchases. I propose an organized protest where we ring the entire Capitol Park in Sacramento with protesters. I live in a suburb of Sacramento so feel free to enlist my support for the protest. At least the Governator doesn’t take a salary because so far he has produced nothing for nothing.

    November 14th, 2008 at 11:10 am

     

28. John E writes:
    

    Let’s tax all our politicians at a per word price (optional activity) and add a lobbyists gift-tax to the receiptants. Let’s also tax campaign spending at a 20% clip, this should reduce the garbage that gets slung around twelve months a year. This should alleviate any budget concerns well into the next century. Doesn’t anyone wonder why millions are spent to win positions only paying thousnads of dollars? obviously these blow-hards have money to waste!!

    November 14th, 2008 at 11:21 am

     

29. AL LIMON writes:
    

    I’m a retired super senior who has a hard time justifing, to my better half, the green fees i’m already paying to enjoy an outing of a life time. I have never had a bad day playing golf, But the idea of taxing my round of golf is not acceptable. I think it’s time to look for a new Gov.

    November 14th, 2008 at 1:04 pm

     

30. greg flowers writes:
    

    why don’t you list all state legislature email address to their office then we can just click on it an email our opinion in mass. and don’t forget Arnolds…..make it easy and people will participate. make us look up this information and well… you get obama.

    November 14th, 2008 at 1:15 pm

     

31. Golfclubbuilder.com writes:
    

    For anyone that thinks we have a serious crisis (Emily…) the crisis is the spending in Sacramento. But sadly, people keep re-electing the “tax and spend” politicians. We already pay too much tax, whether the highest or not. Don’t think it will stop at the state level either. You all can’t forget who heads the House of Representatives and the Senate, and of course, who the President Elect will be (not official for a few weeks yet). They will catch wind of this idea and the whole country will be subject to a “Golf Tax.” It is so close to possible that we will have a national sales tax (NST) because of these people that think your money really belongs to the gov’t. This will be a NST on top of the progressive income taxes we already pay.

    November 14th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

     

32. Golfclubbuilder.com writes:
    

    Everyone, yes, Arnie is proposing this tax. But, he’s not the one will bring the bill to the floor in Sac town. It will be the the state legislature and state senate. We all need to contact these guy before the governor. These people don’t understand how taxes and the economy work together. They do understand when it looks like they will be voted out.

    November 14th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

     

33. L J Tague writes:
    

    There is a perception that most golfers are rich, belong to country clubs, escape taxes with clever accounting and take business junkets with 6 or 8 close friends to expensive golf course retreats. All of us pensioners who play golf to get exercise and to be outdoors are off the radar of a big business man like Arnold! He thinks everyone is rich like he is. Most of us have cut back substantially on our golf due to the economy. Now he wants us to quit altogether. I fail to see how that will help California’s economy. There should be a ROLL BACK of prices to encourage an increase in participation, NOT an increase in prices to discourage spending.

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

     

34. Shane Dake writes:
    

    Emily you are right on. This is a perfect example of FALSE OUTRAGE. So my green fee goes from 50 to 54 Bucks, come on now … BFD! Think of the new sales tax on green fees as a chance to give a contribution to the State. I am not kidding. We have to tax because nobody volunteers to help, and we pay for it. Go to a California School Booster meeting or some Parent request for help night. The same 1% show up. The rest of the community is blaming each other and complaining about taxes. How about we try pulling in the same direction? Blame, blame, blame. We should pay our share of taxes, hold the politicians accountable, and expect a community where we have health care, great schools, and mass transit. Oops sounds too much like Europe. Also, keep up the great work Poppy Ridge!

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

     

35. Jeff Goodfellow writes:
    

    I couldn’t agree with GCBuilder more vehemently. Emily – sorry girl but you have it backwards. The only problem in Sacramento is the inability to self regulate. This article speaks volumes about our legislators – http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-09-25-lawmakers-gas_n.htm – seriously, how do these people look their constituents in the eye and tell them that they must sacrifice more for the greater good?

    Hey, before you raise my taxes again please stop the self-serving nonsense. Then and only then will I willingly give you more of my money to waste. Where the hell is my car and free gas card? My bailout? I vote every election and I can honestly state that other than Arnold not one of these morons got voted in by me. The state has a revenue problem because too many uneducated Emily’s are running around voting for more spending. Clearly we need more money for education. Pathetic.

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

     

36. Emily writes:
    

    Keith, I’m sorry but you are still mistaken. California does not have the highest sales tax in the country, but it is ranked in the top 10. Chicago has the highest at 10.25%. You should also check New York, and Tennessee. Try looking up on Google, “highest sales tax in the nation”. Regardless, we all need to do our part in this extremely hard time of ours. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford to play golf then you should take a look around and quit complaining. The Govenor has informed the California School Districts that a 20 Million to 40 Million cut in funding is coming. “Doom and Gloom” is the words the school board used at the district meeting November 12th. Our children and their education should be the most important priority for this state. THEY ARE THE FUTURE LEADERS OF OUR STATE AND COUNTRY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!! I could care less if your golfing fees go up!

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:38 pm

     

37. Golfclubbuilder.com writes:
    

    Shane, are you aware that there are programs, State and FED, that are supported, FUNDED, by your tax dollars where 95% is used up in buracracy? (spelling?) So, that $4.00 increase in Green Fees sees only a potential $.20 (20 CENTS) actually used in the program. That $4.00 may not be a huge bump in your wallet, but, it isn’t used in the manner intended. Compare to a charity. Would you like to give money to homeless charity where $5.00 of every $100.00 is used to actually feed and house? I doubt it. You would probably CHOOSE to spend your charity dollars in a more efficient and effective way. At least I would hope so.

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

     

38. SLO Keith writes:
    

    I work in government education (not a teacher). The problem is not the quantity of money in our system its the idiotic distribution of that money. I agree it aweful with the cuts they are proposing for schools. However, if those cuts in funding would come with some relief from the ridiculous regulations every district has to adhere to, more education could happen in the classroom.
    As to golfing, if they are adding taxes onto tennis courts, racquetball, gymnasiums rental fees, and all other activity based fees I don’t have a problem with it. It does seem counterpoductive to tax healthy things and not other services. Why not a tax on cable TV and satellite? HBO, Showtime and NFL package should be taxed!

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

     

39. Pete writes:
    

    I agree with Emily and Shane. There are certain budget cuts being proposed, but there are major required infrastructure and other expenses that we simply can’t avoid, and revenue isn’t sufficient. And from reading the proposal, it isn’t just targeting golfers. It says:

    “Effective February 1, 2009, the sales and use tax rate will be applied to appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair, golf, and veterinarian services. Effective March 1, 2009, the sales and use tax rate will be applied to amusement parks and sporting events. This is expected to generate additional General Fund sales tax revenue of $357 million in 2008-09.”

    So it’s also going to cost me a little more when I take my cats to the vet, when I get my car serviced, and if I should happen to visit an amusement park or attend a sporting event.

    I know people don’t like paying taxes, but they have no problems with using the services those taxes pay for. As far as any perks for elected officials go — that money is less than a drop in the bucket of state expenses. Maybe we shouldn’t have to pay for those, but that’s not a reason to choke off money for essential services and infrastructure costs.

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

     

40. Golfclubbuilder.com writes:
    

    Emily, Chicago is not a state. New York CITY and Chicago have their own extra taxes, on top of the state sales tax. But, again, it isn’t whose the highest. The taxes are high because money is being spent at enormous rates on things that help no one. And, It is NOT the gov’ts responsibility to actually educate, Only to allow education for everyone. So, the money that is allowed for education, should go to teachers and facilities — not to administrators. If you did researched your school district and found out how much money is allocated per student in a classroom you would shocked at how much of those tax dollars DON’T make it to the classroom. Before anyone comes after my money for playing golf, money I work hard for, for more money in the classroom; how about making sure it gets to the classroom first!

    November 14th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

     

41. Scott writes:
    

    Emily .. your comment about golfers being the “richest people on the planet” is way off base. I work in the golf industry and although there are a number of people who are extremely well off, the majority of golfers are middle class hard working people. Young people in California like me already have a tough enough time surviving here, and taxes like this are going to drive people away, people who work for a living and don’t receive government aid. Rounds are down, range numbers are down, and merchandise is way down, this tax although it seems small to you will eventually kill golf in California. A little homework on your end wouldn’t hurt either.

    November 14th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

     

42. Golfclubbuilder.com writes:
    

    It’s a slippery slope folks. You all that think we should just start adding other activities and entertainment services to the tax pool just don’t see the problem. The movie theatre industry. We already pay around $10.00 a ticket. The high prices have driven theatres out of business because there is guess what — less movie goers. Now at a 10% use tax (for easy math), now, without raising the price of admission, the ticket total cost is $11.00. People WILL choose NOT to see a movie at the theatre. But, you say, it’s only a dollar more.
    Think of the domino effect when that theatre closes the door. That business already pays business taxes and property owners pay a property tax. Those taxes fund local services, until they are gone. Of course, the use tax can no longer be collected. This is how it works folks. There is always Europe. Oh that’s right, Europes various economies have been in shambles for many years already.

    November 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

     

43. Shane Dake writes:
    

    My guess is Emily is young enough to worry about the next 40 years. Granted there is for sure some waste in spending, but seldom do we get specifics … other than Obama’s request for the 3 million dollar “Overhead Projector”. Reason #1 not to vote for “Grandpa John”. Dig into the facts and see it was not just a overhead projector,… but that sure makes for a great soundbite. Truth is: I would rather be chasing par at a crappy muni than reading this blog!

    November 14th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

     

44. Dan writes:
    

    If you live in California and own a house, you are easlily paying over 50% of your income in taxes. 25-35% Fed, 10% State, 6.5% FICA, 1% of your home value in real estate tax, 8.5% sales tax and the myriad other items that are taxed. Add to that the additional taxes you get to pay if you’re lucky enough to earn interest, dividends or capital gains on any investments you have (which you already were taxed on once). The issue here is that the State legislature spends every dime they collect during good times and the crys “woe is me” during the bad times. Stopping spending is the answer not raising more tax rates. On to golf……

    November 14th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

     

45. David writes:
    

    It is so sad that the Governor has it so wrong. The place to make up tax revenue shortages is by cutting government spending. A good place to start would be services for illegals, state of the art prisons and
    government travel budgets.

    To ask someone to pay more for a specific leisure activity is absurd. Arnold when will you wake up and realize the problems are in the legislature not with the tax payer.

    This state has been mismanaged for so long that more money won’t help.
    Unfortunately the average tax payer is shielded from the all the actual taxes they pay. If the citizens of the state had a better idea of what they are paying for I think the legislature would look quite different. This state was once a shinning example for the rest of the country, now it’s a joke.

    November 14th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

     

46. Jerry Bennett writes:
    

    Seems the Gov is searching for revenue sources. Maybe tennis players
    and tennis courts would be more productive?????

    November 14th, 2008 at 8:10 pm

     

47. greg writes:
    

    Guess I’ll have to join a Country Club. I don’t think his arms are long enough to tax me there.

    November 14th, 2008 at 8:21 pm

     

48. Jon R writes:
    

    I urge ALL citizen’s to leave messages daily for the governor regarding this. Just google “California governor” and then find Interact in the menu bar.

    With the recent plunge in retail sales, it is INSANE to raise taxes in this down economy. But when we provide state workers with 14 paid vacation days a year and unlimited vacation accrual, what the governor is saying is that they want our money to give to their special interests. Economy be damned. Folks, we don’t realize just who these guys are, and the only option may be to flee the state. Sad to say, but the governor has lost his bearings and is being led by the nose now by the tax and spend representatives of the special interests.

    November 15th, 2008 at 7:03 am

     

49. scott writes:
    

    Emily, where is your sacrifice? I don’t see you offering to give up anything. (You probably work for the state or local government).

    November 15th, 2008 at 9:38 am

     

50. Larry P. writes:
    

    I love Denny B’s suggestion; let the prisoners build their own prisons, grow their own food, and generally be self sufficient. The state could cut their prison budget way down and the prisoners might actually learn a trade by doing this. Implant gps for security and if they stay out of trouble remove the gps. Someday they could actually be playing golf too and contributing to society. More ingenious ways of cutting spending is the answer not taxation.

    November 16th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

     

51. J Brews writes:
    

    700 bil for the tarp…was supposed to buy illiquid assets and get the credit markets freed up…doesnt appear to be working does it?…..now our fearless leaders are lobbying to spend it in an entirely different way….85 bil to aig but that wasnt enough…its up to 150bil and counting….now the autos want another 25 bil after just getting 25 bil a month ago!!!! whos next…the airlines? philly,phoenix and other us cities are lining up for a handout as well…not sure if anyone noticed but ahhhhhh-nold wrote a letter to paulson about a month ago saying calif may need some money or we could go bk…it was all over drudge…the actual letter was printed and signed by the governator himself…rumors still running rampant that we could run out of money by feb ‘09….and now this….what a joke…i can hear the governator now “ve are going bunkrupt, time to pump up ze economy and tax all zee golvers”……calif and the rest of the country better wake up or our kids and their kids will be living in a 3rd world u.s…..what the elected morons need to understand is we need to sock some money away during the good times for these lean times(rainy day)…prob is they spend like drunken sailors when goog is going public and revs are flowing in and they think its the norm…well….its not the norm…yhoo,hp,bac,citi laying off tens of thousands….many,many many car dealerships and other small businesses going under because there is no credit…no money…i work in finance and am hearing this xmas season will be the “worst in modern history”….easy credit to people that couldnt repay the loans…dodd and fwank protecting fnm,fre….the house of cards is crashing down hard….taxing golfers is hardly the answer….who came up w that brilliant one…i say throw the bums out…elect people w half a brain that wont spend us into oblivion and will fight to change our crumbling education system..time for merit based pay….love the prison idea….fence off 100 sq miles….i say do it….not one freaking dime should be spent on prisons in lieu of education…taxing golf….can u imagine??….who comes up with this stuff…how bout everyone works for free at the state capitol until the budget is balanced….what has happened to our once proud republic??

    November 16th, 2008 at 8:21 pm

     

52. David writes:
    

    Emily,

    I think before you expect golfers to pay more for golf, you should
    contact the teacher’s union to get back the $1,000,000.00 they spent for no on prop 8.

    November 16th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

     

53. Mark O writes:
    

    Doesn’t this idiot realize that there are 400 golf courses for sale in the U.S. not to mention how many have just closed their doors and let the grass grow over. How many of us would cut the number of rounds played a year if this were to happen, talk about lost revenue.For many of our seniors this is the only exercise they get so lets tax a little more. Maybe he should think about taxing families with more than 2 Harleys or more than one gas guzzler ( can you say HUMMER Arnold).

    November 17th, 2008 at 9:37 am

     

54. tom writes:
    

    i think a $0.25 per gallon gas tax would be far better. we’ve lived through $5.00 per gallon gas and have now seen the positive results from that:

    1) fewer miles driven
    2) shift to smaller cars
    3) people moving closer to work
    4) drop in price of gas
    5) fewer dollars sent over seas

    a gas tax will accomplish exactly the same thing, and can raise as little or as much revenue as we need and can be phased in.

    November 17th, 2008 at 12:16 pm

     

55. Bob McMullen writes:
    

    The governor is not asking to tax the body builders clubs and members, why golfer? Is it because he cannot play golf or because he is jealous of people playing golf and not being bodybuilders?

    The legislators and the “GUV” have put the state where it is, not golfers. There is an old saying ” Poor planning promotes poor performance” and CAPITOL crew are not very good planners. As long as they get all of their perks they could care less.

    November 17th, 2008 at 12:17 pm

     

56. Mike writes:
    

    Unfortunately, the way times are heading there may not be many more things available to tax as business continue to go under and the ranks of the unemployed soar. Our legislatures believe the solution is tax only things that don’t impact the rich. You increase sales taxes and it doesn’t bother the rich and only impacts the middle and low income. Our reaction to any consumer tax is to stop buying the products and of course once that occurs too much then they will start taxing food and medicine and finally if that don’t work then they will pass an income tax increase. What we are looking at is the modern decline of the great nation of California to a third world country. Our roads will decay, our education system will operate at the minimum, all social services will cease, police and fire protection will be at the minimum and crime will increase.

    November 17th, 2008 at 10:07 pm

     

57. Scott R. writes:
    

    The State should have to run it’s business the way we run our Home Owners Association(HOA), we can only spend what we take in and if it isn’t enough then the project gets postponed while we save up for it. The other option is to have a special assesment (TAXES) and as an officer even I won’t vote for that. I have to make due with Soc. Sec. levels of money so I’ll never shoot scratch if I don’t have any left. The other writers are correct, we need to dump the entire bunch in Sacramento and start over, or at least pay them what their worth. I think we’d all be due a big rebate from that idea and we could spend it on golf.

    November 17th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

     

58. Manuel writes:
    

    Maybe we should tax Gym memeberships. There are far more people who go to the Gym and that would give the state more spending money. But of course that wouldn’t happen. That wouldn’t even be considered but yet it is essentially the same thing.

    November 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am

     

59. Gotta Play writes:
    

    As already stated, it’s not the need for more money that’s the problem, it’s the SPENDING of our “leaders”.

    California represents %13 of the United States GDP. That’s HUGE! Depending on when you look, if California was an independent nation our world rank in terms of GDP would be between 7-10. That’s right, all by itself, California would be in the top %10 of countries in the world.

    So, let’s see.

    We are one of the richest states (or countries) in the world.
    We have one of the highest tax rates in the United States.
    Although we do give more to the Fed than we get, we do get some of that back through federal assistance programs.

    And we can’t figure out how to balance a budget and run a state with our current finances?

    More taxes on *any* California citizen is an obnoxious failure. But it should be pretty clear to anyone with even a small clue that taxing golf is not the answer to our states problems.

    November 18th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

     

60. Mark O writes:
    

    It’s unfortunate but maybe he should also consider taxing over weight people,I believe their are more of them than there are golfers and after that we can include people that own animals,” I’m sorry sir but can I see your license for that parrot,snake,rat,rabbit,etc……

    November 18th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

     

61. Tony writes:
    

    OMG! there is something very wrong in California! Some would like to leave the state just for the reason of too many damm taxes as it all ready, I agree with those that taxing other vices, come on this is ridiculous.
    Here is a “little” list that culminates the states taxes in it’s entirety:

    >Accounts Receivable Tax
    >Building Permit Tax
    >Capital Gains Tax
    >CDL license Tax
    >Cigarette Tax
    >Corporate Income Tax
    >Court Fines (indirect taxes)
    >Dog License Tax
    >Federal Income Tax
    >Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
    >Fishing License Tax
    >Food License Tax
    >Fuel permit tax
    >Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
    >Hunting License Tax
    >Inheritance Tax Interest expense (tax on the money)
    >Inventory tax IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
    >IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
    >Liquor Tax
    >Local Income Tax
    >Luxury Taxes
    >Marriage License Tax
    >Medicare Tax
    >Property Tax
    >Real Estate Tax
    >Septic Permit Tax
    >Service Charge Taxes
    >Social Security Tax
    >Road Usage Taxes (Truckers)
    >Sales Taxes
    >Recreational Vehicle Tax
    >Road Toll Booth Taxes
    >School Tax
    >State Income Tax
    >State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
    >Telephone federal excise tax
    >Telephone federal universal service fee tax
    >Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
    >Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
    >Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
    >Telephone State and local tax
    >Telephone usage charge tax
    >Toll Bridge Taxes
    >Toll Tunnel Taxes
    >Traffic Fines (indirect taxation)
    >Trailer registration tax
    >Utility Taxes
    >Vehicle License Registration Tax
    >Vehicle Sales Tax
    >Watercraft registration Tax
    >Well Permit Tax
    >Workers Compensation Tax

    By the way if those of you who haven’t heard, now he want’s to increase vehicle taxes!?

    November 23rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm

     

62. Bogey Dan writes:
    

    Everyone has an opinion on what is “enough” here, but your votes have to represent your outrage. Taxing golf is like budgeting on “future lotto sales”, only they are going after a portion of society that has been or is still productive. We have a large group of people who have been elected to office that are more interested in throwing cash at welfare programs and the correctional industry. How much money could be directed to education and other aging population social programs if there was no “school administrative costs”,new prison studies, and the union’s use of education money on political campaigns?? VIOTE THEIR A__ OUT OF OFFICE!! Don’t ask for change after you have allowed this crap to continue, be proactive and get them out of Sacramento.

    November 24th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

     

63. Ed Merlin writes:
    

    It seems shortsighted on the Governor’s part to tax only golf. Youth soccer is where the real money is. Look at all those rich kids who play soccer, with all their rich parets and new SUVs lined up at the private school fields where they play. And the Governor should take a hard look at lawn bowling. Those old coots aren’t on fixed incomes — not with all the new white clothes they’re buying in downtown Carmel. And horse racing is long overdue; don’t just tax winnings, tax everyone just to place a bet. Then you can get them coming, and going. Which is what the government is trying to do to us all the time anyway …

    November 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm

     

64. Linda G. writes:
    

    I am not a golfer. This is my perspective. You who golf have extra. You are not scrimping or you would not be on the course. I do not say banish all courses, enough to replenish the habitat you say is being (saved). Come on. We are in dire straits here. We are not going to give up roads, yet. We really are uncomfortable with the presence of beggars (those out of work). Maybe, we don’t want to give up unemployment.Oh, yes, those pesky government people (us) who regulate everything from the way we build our structures to daycare for our youngest and least able to protect themselves. So, Tony, which taxes should go? All of them? We are a most fortunate people. We need to quit belly aching (as my father would say) and look for the ways to help all of us. Yes, I will pay my entertainment tax only too gladly. I would have a greater respect for you who love golf if you could be a bit less self centered. Oh, the charity idea? Lots of PR with many “successful” charities. What is the “outcome”? The charity still exists or the humans empowered? Hasn’t worked so well over the past. I still do give plenty to charity. Plenty being 10% and I am not looking to get it off my federal income tax. I think Mr. Madoff is a golfer and so is President elect Obama. I enjoyed my few games of golf but not the above it all attitude that is still mine and many other peoples perception of those who golf. Didn’t vote for Schwarzenegger but think he has a great idea here.

    January 10th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

     

65. Leonard Muise writes:
    

    i won’t try to defend the tax structure or the current crop of cowardly and incompetent politicians. nonetheless, the simple fact is that we’re not funding public services adequately. and most people object to being taxed in any way at all.

    i think most of the opinions expressed in opposition to this tax are consistent with the anti-social philosophy expressed in opposition to every other tax: it should always be someone else’s burden to bear.

    spare me the phony victimization.

    January 17th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

     

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