Some of the California tax hike proposals

Saturday December 14, 2002

SACRAMENTO (AP) Some of the tax proposals under consideration in California to help fill a $21 billion-plus deficit in the next 18 months:

Increasing the state's vehicle license fee back to 1998 levels, which would effectively double the average drivers' fees. The average cost is now $64 a year.

Levying a 5-cent fee per drink on alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and spirits with the money going to emergency rooms and trauma centers.

Increasing student fees by 15 percent at the state's universities.

Increasing the income tax rate on the wealthiest 1 percent of residents.

Extending the state sales tax, which is now limited to goods, to services.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)