Assembly Republicans Sink Yacht Tax Loophole (Again)

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Assembly Republicans seem to be the PR gift that keeps on giving.<> <>For the second time in days -- and despite bad press even in their own districts -- Assembly Republicans refused to close the yacht tax "sloophole." The bill passed on a 47-18 party-line vote after GOP Leader Mike Villines asked GOP members to vote no or not vote on the bill. As a tax-related measure, it needed 54 votes for passage.<> <>"We have just had to make serious cuts in health care and education to keep the state solvent," Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) said. "For Assembly Republicans to then turn around and cover up for wealthy yacht owners who hide their boats so they’ll pay less tax is nothing short of reckless and callous. The fact that even some Republicans who had previously supported this measure didn’t vote for it today is particularly troubling. Instead of closing ranks Republicans should be closing the yacht loophole. Be assured this matter is not finished: closing the 'sloophole' will be the top item I bring up in every budget discussion before any further cuts are to be considered." "It is unconscionable to not close the yacht tax loophole when we’re making cuts to public education and medical care," Assembly Budget Chair John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) added. "If California’s teachers and students, as well as those receiving medical care, can take cuts, so can California’s yacht owners." There's more...