This is the link Marilyn sent me. At the end, you can follow the links to email the Governor like I did. In my email, I said something like "You must not have pets."
***ACTION ALERT***
ITS RAINING TAXES ON CATS AND DOGS
Assemblyman Curt Hagman, District 60
http://www.flashreport.org/featured-...09013011082488
January 30, 2009
With the support of California pet owners and veterinarian offices last November, my Republican colleagues and I successfully shot down Governor Schwarzeneggers proposal to create a new tax on veterinarian services. But the Governor is at it again, and your dogs and cats are no safer than alcohol, iTunes, or plastic bags - Sacramento politicians want to tax it all.
The Governor released his latest budget proposal earlier this month which includes $14 billion in General Fund tax increases through fiscal year 2009-10. This proposal recommends broadening the California Sales and Use Tax beginning March 1, 2009 by taxing so called luxury services such as appliance, furniture, and vehicle repairs, and it even extends to veterinarian services.
Spaying and neutering, regular checkups, and any other medical procedure would be subject to a 9-10% tax if the Legislature approves this proposal. Pet medications and drugs would be given immunity by the tax and spenders this time around.
While I understand the necessity of making tough sacrifices in order to find solutions to our massive budget deficit, it is downright unimaginable to consider pets as luxury items. In my family, and families all across the state, pets are considered best friends or members of the family. It is unacceptable that the Governors tax proposal treats our friendly felines and canines as his personal political pawns.
The California Veterinary Medical Association estimates that animal shelters in California already take in about 800,000 animals per year, costing taxpayers an estimated $275 million annually. The Governors pet tax is only expected to generate about $357 million over the next two years.
With the economy slumping even further into recession and thousands of people losing their jobs and homes, increases in veterinarian costs will undoubtedly force many pet owners to give away their furry friends. Animal shelters that are busting at the seams will either be forced to turn away potential pet donors or euthanize an unprecedented number of animals.
The bottom line is that the negative effects of this tax are astounding. Pet owners will lose a furry member of their family due to increased costs. Pets wont get the medical attention they need and they will face an even greater risk of being euthanized. Veterinarians and their small businesses will lose substantial revenue because pet owners will be less likely to pay the increased costs. And to top it all off, the State will have to pick up the unmanageable tab for the increased shelter costs.
Californians are already on the edge. We have some of the highest taxes in the nation and are struggling to keep businesses from moving to other states. The Governor and the Democrats need to join Republicans and pass real budget reforms that cut wasteful spending.
There is no more time for more smoke and mirrors ? lets fix our spending problems now and not pass more taxes that just make Californians suffer. Be assured that I will be actively working in the upcoming negotiations to keep our pets and our wallets out of harms way.
Take Action and let the Governor know you do not support this tax!
http://gov.ca.gov/interact
Please share your thoughts on this article with Assemblyman Hagman at
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/member/60/?p=email