California is a microcosm of the U.S. The tax burden is falling on fewer people. 50% of Americans receive some level of govt support. I don't know what the statistic is in California, but the population base today vs 30 years ago is different. This base is less educated, less skilled with little or no competencies. Whether we like it or not, they consume more in services than they pay in taxes, or should I say don't pay in taxes.

We do spend more on education, but the results are pathetic. Compare graduation rates from 30 years vs today. We could double education spending, and I guarantee the results will be the same.

Unfortunately California like most States are in the business of educating, incarcerating, and medicating, usually in that order. Again, I could show you some trending analysis on California's budget for the past 40 years. But your answer is like any other liberal answer, just tax more.

-- Modified on 5/31/2012 7:57:53 PM