Legislative Republicans appeared split on whether to support the governor’s tax package. Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, who’s running for Mayor of San Diego, was one of two GOP members who gave the measure its necessary two-thirds supermajority.
“Although it may not be perfect, it may not be ideal, it may not be exactly what everyone wants, we are trying to moving the ball forward because we hear from you that you’re struggling," Fletcher said.
But other Republicans either abstained or voted no. Assembly Budget Committee Vice-Chair Jim Nielsen was one of the strongest critics.
“Taxpayer organizations and the conscience of taxpayers say this is a tax increase. I say that this is a massive tax increase and that will not serve the citizens that we represent", Neilsen said.
The package has support from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, which represents small businesses. The California Taxpayers Association opposes it.
The measure still needs two GOP votes in the Senate to pass the legislature.
