Can You Fix California? July 23, 2009 Mark Robyn Mark Robyn The Los Angeles Times has a fun California state budget balancing tool. See if you can accomplish what the state’s elected officials cannot. You get to choose which spending cuts and tax increases will eliminate that pesky budget shortfall. I was able to knock out the shortfall with lots of cuts and a broadening of the sales tax base to include services and industries that until now have enjoyed an unwarranted tax-free status (a $1.1 billion tax increase). Stay informed on the tax policies impacting you. Subscribe to get insights from our trusted experts delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Share Tweet Share Email Topics California Tags State Tax and Spending Policy