Balance the Budget Before Raising Taxes

Re “It’s Time to Sing a New Tune on the Budget, but Who Has the Courage?” by George Skelton, July 8: When discussing balancing the budget in California, Skelton states, “Any governor or legislator who believes California can truly balance its books ... without raising taxes is haplessly fantasizing.” I am not sure what sort of economics background Skelton has, but in my own finances, I have discovered that if I don’t spend more money than I take in, my books balance. Why is Skelton so certain that California can’t do the same?

I pay taxes, and the services they provide do not appear to justify the expense. I sit in gridlocked traffic both to and from work each day, my medical expenses keep going up and the schools are not performing any better than they were before the last several bonds were passed. How is allowing the Legislature to tax me even more going to ensure the money is spent wisely? I agree with the Republicans -- no more taxes until you balance your budget. Then, maybe we can talk.

Gabrielle J. Roudabush

Aliso Viejo