Which Way, L.A.?

California Taxes: Too High or Too Low?

As tonight's midnight tax filing deadline draws near, many are feeling squeezed. But taxes do pay for the services we've come to expect. Many contend that the poor pay a higher portion of their income in sales and gas tax. Others claim that the middle class and rich shoulder a disproportionate tax burden. How does California compare to other states in terms of taxation? Are corporations paying their fair share or do they pass their tax responsibilities on to shareholders and consumers? Jean Ross is Executive Director of the California Budget Project, a nonprofit that analyzes the impact of state policies on low and middle-income people. Dave Doerr is chief tax consultant at the California Taxpayers Association, whose members are mostly corporations. Reporter's Notebook: Eighteenth Annual Israel Film Festival If in Israel recently, few people have felt safe enough to go to the movies, the 18th annual Israel Film Festival is a big hit here in LA. Ticket sales for the 31-feature festival, which will also travel to New York and Miami, are up 15 percent over last year. Meir Fenighstien, the founder and Executive Director of the festival, gives us a preview of what's hot and what's not.