PICO California joined with community and labor groups around the state in supporting the concept of a tax on top tier earners in California in order to begin the critical process of reinvesting in California and creating pathways of hope and opportunity for all, especially our young people.

California families are struggling to recover from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes.  However, not everyone is suffering equally.  Our faith traditions call on those who have more to share with those who have less. PICO California believes that a top tier income tax is the most appropriate solution to our current revenue needs.  We are not alone. Polling shows that California voters strongly endorse a progressive approach to raising revenue.

Recently, several proposals have surfaced that would bring much-needed revenue to our cash-strapped state. These initiatives will certainly change over time as groups join forces on common ideas, do further polling to understand what's winnable, and identify whether they have the funding to support their campaigns.

Over the coming months, we will continue to champion solutions that generate revenue for our state, while strongly encouraging the consolidation and integration of these various ideas into one choice for California.  We believe deeply that any solution to our need for revenue must not place a disproportionate burden on lower income families.

Overall, as people of faith and religious leaders, we are heartened by the growing support for charting a new course for California - one focused on an investment in California as a "Land of Opportunity" for all.