Star pitcher shakes off California tax signs – Latest News
Well, that was a whiff.
The Padres, together with the state of California, struck out when free-agent pitcher Merrill Kelly spurned San Diego to remain in Arizona — despite the fact that the Padres dangled a higher deal.
The deciding issue?
Punitive California taxes.
“I love San Diego,” Kelly stated. “It’s just, like I said, they take too much money out of my pocket, man. The taxes over there are a different level.”
Indeed they’re.
The Padres, together with the state of California, struck out when free-agent pitcher Merrill Kelly spurned San Diego to remain in Arizona Getty Images
California has long slathered on taxes like a lot snake oil from politicians like Governor Gavin Newsom. ZUMAPRESS.com
California has long slathered on taxes like a lot snake oil from politicians.
Kelly, who inked a two-year, $40 million deal with the Diamondbacks, will save hundreds of thousands on his tax invoice in Arizona (2.5% state income tax fee) in contrast with California (13.3%).
It’s time for Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators to stop the insanity, set up spending accountability, and think about significant tax aid.
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The center class struggles to afford not solely housing, gasoline, power and groceries, but additionally onerous taxes.
Meanwhile, the state’s “soak the rich” routine has grown so egregious that the wealthy are saying sayonara — or declining to signal, play, dwell or work right here within the first place.
It’s a huge expertise drain –– pushed by reckless coverage that serves an elite group of politicians, unions, nonprofits and different particular pursuits whereas sticking Californians with the invoice.
Kelly, who inked a two-year, $40 million deal with the Diamondbacks, will save hundreds of thousands on his tax invoice in Arizona (2.5% state income tax fee) in contrast with California (13.3%).
It’s time for Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators to stop the insanity, set up spending accountability, and think about significant tax aid. ERIK S LESSER/EPA/Shutterstock
Kelly just isn’t the primary athlete to favor no- or low-tax states over the state referred to as Golden; NFL brokers and analysts report that steep tax payments deter participant signings with golf equipment just like the 49ers, Rams and Chargers.
And who can neglect the loopy California tax invoice of 2026 Super Bowl champ Sam Darnold?
The QB earned a $178,000 bonus after the Seahawks received all of it in Santa Clara — but owed Sacramento $249,000 for about eight days of Super Bowl-related work in California.
And the trend’s shifting the incorrect manner.
Even as athletes and different stars flee the state, the voracious SEIU-United Healthcare Workers is pushing for a billionaire tax that’s already pushed an estimated $1 trillion in wealth out of California.
The madness must stop.
Adults need to step up and reverse course earlier than there’s no one of means left right here to tax.
Perhaps Kelly, after shaking off California’s tax signs, can show Sacramento the artwork of the changeup.
