The Senator Reports

September 3rd, 2009

2009 San Diego County Veterans Awards
By Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad)

I’m pleased to again this year start accepting nominees for the 2009 San Diego County Veterans Awards, which include Veteran of the Year, the Veterans Allegiance Award and the Meritorious Support of Veterans Award. These awards honor one of the many valuable members of the veterans’ community, a non-profit organization that supports veteran outreach and a place of businesses that give special consideration to the employment of veterans.

Those who have a nominee should contact my Carlsbad office at (760) 931-2455 by September 18th. Following my decision I will be submitting my awardees for consideration as the 2009 San Diego County recipients in an annual outreach program hosted by The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.

It’s important that each year the North County community recognizes these special awardees. Acknowledging the dedication of these individuals is one small gesture the community can make to show our support for all of those who have fought for our country and our freedoms.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email: senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov

Californians Take Another Tax Hit
By Assemblyman Martin Garrick

Over 20 years ago, voters approved Proposition 7 that indexed state income tax rates to inflation. During the boom years, the index shielded taxpayers from increasing tax rates. However, the current economic downturn has led a 1.5% drop in the Consumer Price Index. Accordingly, the Franchise Tax Board recently adjusted income tax rates to lower the threshold for tax brackets. This of course means that you can make less than you did last year but still pay more taxes.

Let’s take for example, the tax rate of a married coupled with two dependents, an adjusted gross income of $63,000, and assume they are taking the standard deduction. In 2008, their state income tax would have been $625. However, when you add the deflation adjustment to the tax increases passed by the Legislature, that same couple will see their taxes rise to $1,223!

A family of four facing a tax bill that has doubled in a year does not bode well for economic recovery in California and is further proof that the tax increases passed by the Legislature were foolish and misguided.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick serves the communities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside as the Assemblyman for the 74th District.