Politicians owned by big unions

Less than a year ago, Gov. Jerry Brown promised pension reforms if voters approved Proposition 30. He suggested the ruling Democrats would also resist pushing any other new taxes for awhile.

Just three months after Prop. 30 passed, the unions have mounted attacks on those reforms by suing state pension boards, while a Democratic legislator is pushing a bill to exempt some unions from any pension reforms.

In addition, some mayors (Stockton, Modesto, et al.) now want yet another teeny-weeny extra add onto sales taxes for police and fire services. In the middle of all this argy-bargy, the state is adding another paid holiday for state workers.

California has the highest sales and income taxes of all 50 states. We also rank first for the most anti-business climate. In 2011, 254 businesses left the state, taking thousands of jobs and taxes with them. This month, two dozen corporate CEOs said they're leaving as well.

Still, you do have to admire our political geniuses. When they're bought by the unions, they stay bought.

CAROL S. BENSON

Modesto