Last week about 1,500 Bay Area college students peeled themselves off their couches after 4/20 and hustled up to Sacramento to protest the Governator's proposal to cut the higher education budget statewide. The cuts will effect not only campus services and class availability, but also tuition costs (which have been rapidly on the rise in California, much like everywhere else, in recent years).

But the state isn't stopping there! Assemblyman Jim Beall (D-San Jose) has also proposed a huge increase in the state beer tax, adding almost $2 to the cost of every six-pack. Bold, Mr. Beall -- but perhaps too bold...

UC Santa Cruz College Republicans took to the streets to protest the increase. Their slogan: "No taxation on intoxication!" In response, Mr. Beall was patronizing and unapologetic, citing binge drinking, sexual assault and DUI stats. Blah blah blah, Beall -- semantics! The point: I cannot afford to maintain the lifestyle I've grown accustomed to if my six-packs of Anchor Steam cost 11 tanking U.S. dollars (especially not this soon after April 15).

Both measures are intended to shore up the faltering state budget. But of course California is hardly the only one having a budget crisis. Considering the state of the current economy and job market, especially for young people, it's nice to know that the government is still willing to pass the buck onto the little guy!