Here's one thing Californians don't have a right to see: How much money a specific corporation saves in tax breaks.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have required the state to disclose via the Internet, beginning in June 2013, which publicly traded companies get tax breaks and how much they get.
Schwarzenegger, in his veto message, said that Assembly Bill 2666 "inappropriately seeks to publish confidential tax information for no apparent benefit."
The governor noted that the state already publishes annual reports about costs and benefits of corporate tax breaks, and that the Franchise Tax Board publishes a list identifying the 250 individuals and businesses with the largest tax delinquencies.
"I am unclear as to the need for this bill, other than for the sponsor to continue to provoke and alienate businesses attempting to create jobs and economic recovery in California.
CALPIRG, also known as the California Public Interest Research Group, countered that none of the tax-break information disclosed by the state now is specific to particular companies.
"His veto statement either reveals a shameful level of sloppiness, or a lack of candor," the group said in a written statement.
Supporters of the legislation by Democratic Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner of Berkeley contend that it would shed light on the effectiveness of existing tax policies, improve tax compliance and increase political pressure for a more fair and efficient system.
Opponents of publicly disclosing a company's tax information claim it would be unconstitutional, violate corporate privacy, jeopardize corporate trade secrets and encourage businesses to relocate to other states.
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