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THE GREAT SIBTF CON: How One Bogus Study Set Up a Taxpayer Bailout

January 13, 2026 — An explosive investigation by The Jacobi Journal has exposed the RAND Corporation’s 2024 report on California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) as a financial and political controversy. By overstating the fund’s liability by an estimated $6.75 billion—a 632% error—RAND’s report helped manufacture a fake “crisis” that would have quietly moved […]

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Sales Tax Equity: Addressing Regressive Impacts on Low-Income Californians

California’s sales tax system generates billions of dollars annually for state and local governments, supporting public safety, transportation, education, and essential community services. Because sales taxes are collected through everyday consumer transactions, they provide a relatively stable source of revenue compared to more volatile funding mechanisms tied to capital gains or economic cycles. However, policymakers […]

Cannabis Equity: Tax Burdens and Barriers to Entry in California

California’s legal cannabis industry was established with goals that extended beyond commercial regulation and tax collection. Policymakers also sought to address the disproportionate impacts of past cannabis enforcement policies on certain communities through the development of cannabis equity programs. These initiatives were designed to create opportunities for individuals who historically faced barriers resulting from prior […]

Payroll Taxes California: Unemployment Insurance Fund Stability and Employer Costs

California’s unemployment insurance system serves as a critical financial safety net for workers who lose employment through no fault of their own. During economic downturns, the program helps stabilize household income, supports consumer spending, and reduces broader economic disruption. However, maintaining the financial health of the system remains a persistent challenge for policymakers and employers […]

Parcel Tax California: Equity, Effectiveness, and Litigation Trends

As California school districts continue facing rising operational costs, labor expenses, and facility maintenance demands, many have increasingly relied on local taxation measures to supplement state funding. Among the most frequently used tools is the parcel tax, a voter-approved levy that provides districts with a dedicated source of local revenue beyond traditional funding formulas. Supporters […]

Crypto Tax California: Enforcement, Reporting, and Compliance Trends

California tax authorities are increasing scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions as digital assets become more integrated into mainstream financial activity. The rise of decentralized finance platforms, tokenized investments, and crypto-based payment systems has introduced new compliance challenges for both taxpayers and enforcement agencies. The state’s approach to crypto tax enforcement focuses heavily on reporting accuracy, transaction […]