Chris Rizo, CNSNews.com
Thursday, April 4, 2002

Speaking to the California Taxpayers' Association in Sacramento, Simon criticized Gov. Gray Davis for "mishandling" the state's economy, pointing to a growing $15 billion budget shortfall, low-performing schools, and a neglected state infrastructure.

"The only thing that is going to take us out of our present slump are small businesses and individuals who are empowered to reinvest their money to re-create jobs," Simon said, explaining that taxes and growth are inextricably linked.

Simon, a 50-year old investment banker, has proposed reducing the top capital gains tax in California from 9.3 percent to 5 percent, thereby encouraging businesses to reinvest and thus create new jobs, he said.

'Line in the Sand'

"Unfortunately, many in our legislature believe that we need more taxes," Simon told the conservative taxpayers' lobby. "That's why we need to draw a line in the sand now ... so that when we come out of this slump we will know we are in good shape."

Following his address, Simon brushed aside questions about his conservative views on issues including gun control and abortion.

"[Abortion] will not be a centerpiece of my agenda. I will not be an activist governor in this regard," he said. "Where I will be an activist governor is on schools, roads, water and power. I want to create jobs, I want to create opportunity and I want to renew the California dream."

Incumbent Gov. Gray Davis recently touted his commitment to reproductive choice. In a ceremony last week, he ordered California's HMOs to cover "morning-after" contraceptives for women.

"A woman's right to choose must never be held up by red tape," Davis told supporters outside a Sacramento pharmacy.

In 1999, the governor signed Assembly Bill 39, which requires HMOs to cover federally approved contraceptives. Last year, he approved another proposal, which allows a licensed pharmacist to provide emergency contraception without a prescription.

Copyright CNSNews.com

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

California Governors Race

A product that might interest you:
No kidding: 5 cents a minute long distance - all day, every day!