North America, Business and Economy
California legislator proposes beer tax to fill state budget gap
By John Hockenberry and Adaora Udoji
May 12, 2008, 06:37 AM
The subprime credit crunch and rising oil prices have rattled the country's economy, and states are feeling the pressure as well. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia are expected to face budget deficits in 2009 following decreases in sales tax and property tax revenue. It's no worse than in California, which faces a $16 billion shortfall. But state lawmakers are getting creative. We talk with California Assemblyman Jim Beall, D-San Jose, who is proposing a "six-pack tax."
Find out how big the deficit might be in your state for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
Students from College Republicans protest Jim Beall's "beer tax"
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The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International,
in collaboration with The BBC World Service, New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
