I'm not entirely convinced that these people know what they're doing:

Democrats who control California's Legislature said tax increases are needed to help close a $24 billion deficit, setting up a battle with Republicans that may leave the state short of cash next month. Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass, a Los Angeles Democrat, said higher taxes and fees are needed instead of all $16 billion in cuts proposed by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. His reductions would eliminate entire welfare programs and leave 1 million children without health insurance. Democrats yesterday suggested a $15 automobile license fee and said they may consider a 9.9 percent per-barrel charge on oil produced in the state.

Those oil fees will then be dutifully passed on to Californians, cascading through the economy as people go out less, make fewer purchases, and take an overall lifestyle hit. As a special bonus, many oil wells will get shut down as imported oil becomes more affordable than locally produced oil.

Rule by entitlement-soaked unions is a wonderful thing.

References:
* California Democrats Seek Tax Boost as Battle Looms (Update2) [Bloomberg]
* CA democrats seek to shutdown state's oil industry [Ace of Space]

Previously:
* Figures: AIG Forced To Issue "How To Avoid Lynch Mobs" Memo
* Great News: Democratic Amnesty Legislation Will Detonate Anti-Terrorism Monitoring
* Dems: We'll Finance Health Care With Cigarette Tax That Will Cause People To Stop Buying Cigarettes