On Thursday, we shared with you our video highlighting how Republicans in the state legislature prefer to protect tax loopholes for yachts and private jets instead of protecting education (can you help us get the video on the air?).

Well, it didn't take long for the video to make the rounds. Calfornia Majority Report, The Ruth Group, and COTAM were among the blogs that helped to spread our message.

Over at the Contra Costa Times, Lisa Vorderbrueggen ran with our concerns over the "sloophole" that the GOP seems to love so much. Plus, the Yacht Party video gets the full rundown over at the Sacramento Bee's Capitol Alert, explaining

The controversy stems from a recent Assembly vote in which Republicans killed legislation to close a loophole allowing wealthy Californians to avoid paying state sales and use taxes on luxury boats, recreational vehicles and planes by keeping them out of state for three months after buying them.

Commenter racherman at Capitol Alert rightly notes that "Closing tax loopholes on yachts is not going to fix the fundamental problem of our state budget." There isn't $16 billion hiding behind the sloophole. But we start by fighting the most absurd and shocking flaws with the budget and work into the real heart of the issue- opening a real discussion about fundamental budget issues. But we can't get there until we get past here.

This is an opening salvo to trim some of the most unbelievable budgetary chaff. How far it goes and how hard it hits depends on your support between now and 12 p.m. on Tuesday.