"What's Jon Reading" - A Compendium Of Great Links To Articles, Columns, Podcasts, Videos and Charts! For The Week Ending May 23!
I am perusing the web all week, and I write about some of the things I find. But I there is so much great stuff that I do not write about, but I collect for this Saturday column. Enjoy.
This Saturday feature, which is a labor of love for me, is packed with amazing content. It’s very popular. For those of you who subscribe ($70/year, $7/month), this column is a thank you for your support of my independent work. There are a couple of items above the paywall worth reading/watching. But that is the tip of the iceberg. SO MUCH more under the paywall.
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Reading/Watching Recommendations!
HOW THE WEALTH TAX ALLOWS THE LEGISLATURE TO EVADE ACCOUNTABILITY
In a joint Substack essay, California Business Roundtable President Rob Lapsley and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association President Jon Coupal argue that California’s proposed wealth tax would fundamentally change the relationship between taxpayers and government. The authors contend the measure would allow lawmakers to continue overspending without structural reform while driving investment and high-income earners out of the state. Framing the proposal as both economically damaging and politically dangerous, they warn it could weaken taxpayer accountability and further destabilize California’s already volatile revenue system.
THE TRICKS GAVIN NEWSOM USED TO MAKE HIS LAST BUDGET LOOK ‘BALANCED’
In a sharply critical opinion piece for California Post, columnist and CPA Bruce Bialosky argues that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final revised state budget relies on reserve withdrawals, optimistic revenue projections, and accounting maneuvers rather than real spending restraint. Bialosky highlights California’s structural deficit, rising expenditures despite population decline, and projected AI-related tax windfalls he views as unrealistic. He also warns that Newsom may leave office before the full fiscal consequences emerge, shifting the burden to California’s next governor.
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