Here's a Shocking Headline: Santa Cruz Taxes Just Got Lower

You know how they say that once government raises a tax, it never lowers it.

False.

The statewide 1 percent tax rate that was raised April 2009 as part of the 2008-09 state budget agreement, was lowered, as promisted, June 30, 2011, according to a news release from State Board of Equalization Chairman Jerome Horton.

That means in Santa Cruz that local taxes dropped from 9.5 percent to 8.5 percent. It will only save you less than 4 cents on a $3.50 latte, but you will save $1,000 for that $100,000 Porsche you just bought.

Of course, the state will make it up on the higher registration fees planned for cars.