Brown Vetoes Diaper, Tampon Sales Tax Exemption Bills

California Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed bills that would have exempted diapers and tampons from sales tax.

His actions came as part of a mass veto message, in which he rejected seven bills he says would have created or expanded tax breaks.

"As I said last year, tax breaks are the same as new spending – they both cost the general fund money," Brown wrote in his veto message. "As such, they must be considered during budget deliberations so that all spending proposals are weighed against each other at the same time. This is even more important when the state’s budget remains precariously balanced.”

Brown's actions were expected, as reported by Capital Public Radio last week. 

Reaction to Brown's veto from Asm. Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens):

The governor also vetoed a measure that would have exempted homeowners whose mortgage debt has been forgiven from paying income tax on what is considered taxable income. Congress has taken such action at the federal level and this bill would have reconciled state rules with federal law. But Brown vetoed a similar bill last year.

Brown signed several pieces of legislation, as well Tuesday, including a measure requiring SeaWorld to follow through on its plan to end killer whale breeding and entertainment shows. 

Tomorrow, the governor says he'll approve a measure that distributes almost a billion dollars in funds from the state's cap-and-trade program. Brown reached a deal with lawmakers on the money, on the final day of session.