Strengthening California's economy
High taxes and bad policy have produced the highest poverty rate in the nation and sky-high unemployment
The truth is undeniable – California’s economy is lagging. While we are home to some of the most successful and recognizable companies in the world, Californians are suffering from sky-high unemployment and more poverty than any state in the country. Something isn’t working.
Since 2002, more than 1.5 million more Americans have left the state than have moved in. While statisticians call this “cumulative absolute domestic migration,” in plain terms it means that millions of Californians have left our state for better opportunities elsewhere.
This is no surprise. CEOs in 2013 ranked California as the absolute worst state for business in America because of high taxes, excessive and irrational regulations, and lawsuits. The American Tort Reform Association ranks California as the nation’s #1 “judicial hellhole” because of laws that encourage frivolous lawsuits.
There’s an economic opportunity gap between California and the rest of America, and today’s leadership in Sacramento shows little interest in closing it. In Imperial County, the unemployment rate is at a Depression-era level: 23.8% (Nov ’13). In most of the Central Valley, it’s over 12%. Statewide, it’s 8.3% (Dec ’13) – far higher than other big states like Texas and Florida.
The consequences are real: high unemployment and crushing poverty aren’t just statistics. There are real people behind these numbers. When our state government drives employers out of business, or out of state, everyday Californians suffer.
To move forward, California needs new leadership with a new vision.
We should boldly reform California’s tax system to make taxes lower, simpler, and more fair. Government spending should be at a level Californians can afford. Our governing philosophy should be centered on reform: taxes and big government programs can all be reformed to provide better services and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
California has enormous potential. We don’t have to settle for an economy riddled with unemployment and poverty. With new leadership, a new vision, and the right policies we can do better.
High taxes and bad policy have produced the highest poverty rate in the nation and sky-high unemployment
The truth is undeniable – California’s economy is lagging. While we are home to some of the most successful and recognizable companies in the world, Californians are suffering from sky-high unemployment and more poverty than any state in the country. Something isn’t working.
Since 2002, more than 1.5 million more Americans have left the state than have moved in. While statisticians call this “cumulative absolute domestic migration,” in plain terms it means that millions of Californians have left our state for better opportunities elsewhere.
This is no surprise. CEOs in 2013 ranked California as the absolute worst state for business in America because of high taxes, excessive and irrational regulations, and lawsuits. The American Tort Reform Association ranks California as the nation’s #1 “judicial hellhole” because of laws that encourage frivolous lawsuits.
There’s an economic opportunity gap between California and the rest of America, and today’s leadership in Sacramento shows little interest in closing it. In Imperial County, the unemployment rate is at a Depression-era level: 23.8% (Nov ’13). In most of the Central Valley, it’s over 12%. Statewide, it’s 8.3% (Dec ’13) – far higher than other big states like Texas and Florida.
The consequences are real: high unemployment and crushing poverty aren’t just statistics. There are real people behind these numbers. When our state government drives employers out of business, or out of state, everyday Californians suffer.
To move forward, California needs new leadership with a new vision.
We should boldly reform California’s tax system to make taxes lower, simpler, and more fair. Government spending should be at a level Californians can afford. Our governing philosophy should be centered on reform: taxes and big government programs can all be reformed to provide better services and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
California has enormous potential. We don’t have to settle for an economy riddled with unemployment and poverty. With new leadership, a new vision, and the right policies we can do better.