Schools or Yachts-Which Is More Important?- The View From Oak Park, CA

Schools or Yachts-Which Is More Important?- The View From Oak Park, CA

Everyone knows that schools and education are important. Apparently so are yachts, at least in this economy. California is facing a budget crunch. Again. There is a deficit of about $7 Billion. Not a small amount by any means.

Yesterday's headlines in the Los Angeles Times shouted, "California's Schools Gird for Steep Cuts". I understand that in tough times, we all need to do our share. I think we all agree how important our schools are. Skimp too much on schooling, and we all pay in the long run. Here in Oak Park, we have one of the finest School Districts in the state. And we pay mightily for that, with extra parcel taxes, etc.

Schools are not the only programs that will be hurt by this huge deficit. Health care and programs for the needy will be hurt as well.

Who will not be hurting in this economy in California? Apparently the owners of yachts, RV's and planes. Buyers of these luxury items can avoid paying sales tax by parking the item out of state for 90 days. Nice tax sloophole, eh? This could cost the state up to $26 million in this and the coming years.

Am I missing something here? Am I the only one who thinks there may be something wrong with this scenario? There shouldn't even need to be any discussion on this. Let people who buy luxury items pay the taxes that are due. What is the worst thing that may happen? They buy the yacht somewhere else so they don't pay taxes here in California? They aren't paying anyway! Come on, Sacramento, get your priorities right. Collect the taxes, and help keep the deficit down, and funding for schools and other programs up.

Carol Lee, Realtor, Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake Village, CA