Author: Jon

PROP 15 DEFEATED BY CALIFORNIA VOTERS

Posted on by Jon

Largest Property Tax Increase in California History Rejected by More Than 3.5%

SACRAMENTO, CA – Proposition 15, the largest property tax increase in California history, was defeated today by a margin of more than 550,000 votes, ending a challenge by Service Employees International Union, California Teachers Association, California State Parent Teacher Association and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to dismantle major portions of Proposition 13, the greatest tax protection measure left in the highest taxed state in the country overwhelmingly passed by voters more than 40 years ago.

“From day one, we knew that if voters understood the harm this deeply flawed tax hike would impose on California’s economy and its families, farmers and small businesses, voters would reject this ill-advised effort,” said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable and co-chair of the No on Prop 15 campaign. “Today’s victory should send a clear message to the proponents and warn all politicians that voters will continue to reject attempts to dismantle Prop 13.”

“California voters understood the very real threat Proposition 15 presented to small businesses, farmers and consumers,” said Allan Zaremberg, president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. “Voters in California smartly recognized that enacting the largest tax hike in California history would have been devastating to jobs, our economy and California’s future competitiveness.”

The robust opposition effort to defeat Prop 15 included a broad and diverse coalition which came together to educate voters about Prop 15’s many flaws and real-world impacts of an $11.5 billion per year tax increase. The main No on Prop 15 committee was led by the California Business Roundtable, the California Business Properties Association, the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Taxpayers Association.  The bipartisan coalition, one of the most diverse coalitions ever assembled, also included social justice and civil rights organizations including the California State Conference of the NAACP, California State National Action Network, Latino groups, veterans, local chambers of commerce, private-sector labor unions and hundreds of small businesses across California.

“Across California, voters in the vast majority of counties cast their ballots in opposition to Prop 15,” added Rob Gutierrez, president of the California Taxpayers Association. “What’s clear from the data so far is Prop 15 lost in 43 of California’s 58 counties. Democrats, Republicans and independents understood the importance of protecting jobs and keeping consumer costs down, and joined together to reject this measure.”

Rex Hime, president and CEO of the California Business Properties Association added, “Small businesses and property owners now have the opportunity to focus on making ends meet instead of formulating plans to close their doors. I am optimistic that Californians are getting wise to the game of being told that a tax does not impact them.  Every tax gets passed along or increases the cost of everyday goods and services.  And that was certainly the case with Prop. 15.”

Additional opposition efforts were organized by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Family Farmers Against Prop 15, led by the California Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Council of California and Western Growers Association, as well as The Alliance of California’s Farmers and Ranchers, an association of commodity groups including dairies and the rice industry.

“Farmers can breathe a little easier this evening knowing their hard work made the difference to turn back the largest property tax increase in California history which would have created havoc for family farmers and ranchers across our state,” added California Farm Bureau Federation president Jamie Johansson, which formed the Family Farmers Against Prop 15 coalition. “For months we’ve said Prop 15 would hurt farmers, ranchers and ultimately all families through higher prices. What’s clear from these results is that more than 8 million California voters recognized this reality and agreed with our efforts to stop this ill-advised initiative.”

Prop 15 also suffered from significant flaws that could destabilize the entire property tax administration system, leading the California Assessors’ Association that represents the local elected officials charged with implementing many of Prop 15’s provisions to oppose the measure.

“Prop 15 was a direct assault on Prop 13’s protections that have provided certainty and stability to property owners throughout California. Prop 15’s proponents, many of the same special interest groups that opposed Prop 13 in 1978, should think long and hard about targeting property owners in the future,” concluded Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which has spent decades promoting and protecting Prop 13.

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

ICYMI: 30 Newspapers Across California Urge Voters to Reject Proposition 15

Posted on by Jon

SACRAMENTO, CA – In a show of force, 30 newspapers across California have urged their readers to vote no on Proposition 15, the $11.5 billion-a-year property tax increase on the November ballot. The newspapers cite concerns about raising taxes on small businesses struggling to survive the pandemic, higher costs for consumers during an unprecedented economic crisis, among many other reasons to vote no on Prop 15.

Read excerpts from the newspapers below:

Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Torrance Daily Breeze, Pasadena Star-News, Press-Telegram, Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, Whittier Daily News, Redlands Daily Facts, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:

“Passing Proposition 15 would pummel California’s economy at the very worst time. … It must never be forgotten that when taxes go up, there are downstream consequences. This measure would raise the cost of living, as grocery stores, retailers and other businesses face higher costs. Increases to California’s cost of living fall hardest on those with less means. With about one-in-five Californians living in poverty even before the pandemic, the regressive impacts of this measure will be significant.”

San Jose Mercury News, East Bay Times, Marin Independent Journal, Lake County Record-Bee:

“The higher taxes in many cases would be passed on to the tenants of those commercial and industrial property owners. In short, it’s a tax on businesses, often small businesses, at a time when they can least afford it.”

San Diego Union-Tribune:

“Vote no on Prop. 15. A vast tax hike during a deep recession is a crazy idea.”

Santa Cruz Sentinel:

“…a tax on big businesses will in many cases just result in property owners passing along the increase to small businesses that lease or rent their space. To say the very least, this would create a new burden on small businesses that are already reeling from the economic effects of the pandemic. Another consequence: Businesses likely would also pass along the increase to consumers in the form of higher prices.”

Santa Barbara News-Press:

“For decades, Prop. 13 has prevented people from losing their family homes and businesses. It also protected the elderly, living on fixed incomes so they would not be taxed out of their residence.”

Santa Rosa Press Democrat:

“…nothing in Proposition 15 stops commercial landlords from passing the cost to tenants, including small business owners. Indeed, many business leases include charges for property taxes.”

San Luis Obispo Tribune, Fresno Bee:

“Property owners could simply pass on the tax increases to their tenants, causing even more business closures and job losses.”

Bakersfield Californian:

“…Proposition 15 will kick California businesses while they are down and likely will result in even more job losses.”

Chico Enterprise-Record:

“And you know the “wealthy corporations” aren’t going to eat the tax hike. Let’s use a middle number of $10 billion. They’re going to pass that on to you. Each Californian’s share would be about $250 a year if it fell out evenly. It won’t. The rich with their clever accountants will pay less, and the poor will pay more.”

Palo Alto Daily Post:

“Promoters say they’re just taxing big corporations to pay for schools. But many small businesses have “triple net” leases that require them to pay the rent plus utilities, insurance and all other costs including property taxes. So Prop. 15 will hit the corner deli, neighborhood dry cleaner and mom-and-pop grocery with a stiff tax increase. This will crush the small businesses who managed to survive the Covid lockdown. If you care about preserving neighborhood retail, you’ll vote “no” on Prop. 15.”

The Desert Sun:

“Raising taxes now is the last thing struggling businesses and our millions of currently unemployed or underemployed workers need, and likely will send many that still hope for a financial future to seek greener pastures in other states.”

San Mateo Daily Journal:

“This measure ostensibly would not raise taxes on small businesses but there would be pass-through taxes and those businesses with triple net leases would be seriously affected.”

Redlands Community News:
“Many property owners would pay more and would pass much of those increases to their customers or to their tenants, who would pass the increases on to their customers — meaning us.”

Oroville Mercury-Register:

“Prop. 15: No”

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ICYMI: State’s Farmers and Ranchers Would Be Hurt by Prop 15

Posted on by Jon

Newspapers from California’s Farming Communities Overwhelmingly Oppose Massive Tax Increase

SACRAMENTO, CA – Despite false claims from Prop 15’s proponents that farms are protected, newspapers across California representing rural, agricultural communities are urging their readers to vote no on the largest property tax increase in California history. These papers join the California Farm Bureau Federation, California Cattlemen’s Association, Western United Dairies, California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Western Agricultural Processors Association and local farm bureaus across California in opposing the $11.5 billion-a-year property tax increase that would devastate family farms and increase the cost of food for families.

“It’s clear that Prop 15’s authors went out of their way to deceive voters about the tax hike’s impact on farmers and ranchers,” said Shannon Douglass, a Glenn County farmer and 1st Vice President of the California Farm Bureau Federation. “While agricultural land isn’t taxed, every structure on that land is – barns, processing plants, mature fruit and nut trees, grape vines – with the end result being that everything from farm to table will cost more money.”

Read excerpts from the newspapers below:

Chico Enterprise-Record:

“The proposed law also poses a major threat to agriculture, although it claims to exempt farming from the tax hike. However, every reference to agriculture in the text specifically mentions just the land as being exempt. As buildings, machinery and equipment are considered taxable property, it sure seems like reassessment of barns, processing plants, and conceivably even orchards would be allowed. The state Farm Bureau Federation is understandably opposed. So are we.”

Modesto Bee:

“…this isn’t the right time. Property owners could simply pass on tax increases to their tenants, causing even more business closures and job losses when we’re already at a tipping point due to COVID-19.”

Fresno Bee:

“Property owners could simply pass on the tax increases to their tenants, causing even more business closures and job losses.”

Bakersfield Californian:

“…Proposition 15 will kick California businesses while they are down and likely will result in even more job losses.”

Lake County Record-Bee:

“The higher taxes in many cases would be passed on to the tenants of those commercial and industrial property owners. In short, it’s a tax on businesses, often small businesses, at a time when they can least afford it.”

Santa Rosa Press Democrat:

“…nothing in Proposition 15 stops commercial landlords from passing the cost to tenants, including small business owners. Indeed, many business leases include charges for property taxes.”

Redlands Community News:

“Many property owners would pay more and would pass much of those increases to their customers or to their tenants, who would pass the increases on to their customers — meaning us.”

Oroville Mercury-Register:

“Prop. 15: No”

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15 Ways Prop 15 Will Cost Everyday Californians

Posted on by Jon

With 15 Days until Election Day, Here’s How Californians Can Expect a Higher Cost of Living Under Prop 15

SACRAMENTO, CA – As Election Day nears, it is becoming more evident with each passing day that Prop 15’s $11.5 billion property tax increase, the largest property tax increase in California history, will be paid by small businesses and consumers—not large corporations and wealthy landowners. That’s because small business tenants are often required to pay property taxes in their lease agreements. Small business tenants will have no choice but to pay the skyrocketing property tax bill and pass on higher costs to consumers, with some even going out of business. 

Studies from the California State Conference of the NAACP, Berkeley Research Group, and Pepperdine University conclude that taxes like Prop 15 will raise the cost of living. Whether it’s everyday essentials like groceries for the pantry or a family night out, the cost of the largest property tax increase in state history will ultimately be paid by consumers.

“Based on my existing lease, my neighborhood restaurant is responsible for half of the property tax bill for our building, which means my cost could increase six-fold,” said Laurie Thomas, owner of two restaurants in San Francisco and executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association in San Francisco. “Add to that the increased cost of providing PPE, costs of building outside seating, and the increases in food supplier costs, and this will significantly stress our limited finances, putting in jeopardy our ability to continue to operate.”

Here are 15 areas Californians will pay more unless voters reject Prop 15:

1.     Utility Bills
2.     Healthcare
3.     Daycare Centers
4.     Clothing
5.     Grocery Stores
6.     Farmer’s Markets
7.     Restaurants
8.     Local coffee shops
9.     Gas Stations
10.   Wineries
11.   Breweries
12.   Book Stores
13.   Barbershops & Nail Salons
14.   Gyms
15.   Movie Theaters, Bowling Alleys & Kids Entertainment Centers

And we know from 42-years of statements by Prop 15’s authors that homeowners will be next!

For example, Prop 15’s impact on the cost of food compounds as a product goes from farm to processing to the consumer—creating higher costs every step along the way.

“Under Prop 15, California farmers will face higher property taxes-and families will face higher prices for food as the increase in taxes from the farm through processing, distribution, and our neighborhood grocery stores. Ultimately, the measure could lead to fewer California-grown food choices and higher costs for families,” said Jamie Johansson, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Prop 15’s flawed design means that virtually every industry will be impacted and will see their costs rise which will be passed along to their customers.

“California’s cost of living is already among the nation’s highest,” concluded John Kabateck, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business – California. “With an $11.5 billion tax increase, all of us will pay for Prop 15’s massive tax hike. With millions out of work, this tax measure could not come at a worse time for families.”

Follow the NO on Prop 15 Facebook page for the next 15 days to learn each day how the cost of living will rise under Prop 15.

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

 

ICYMI: San Diego Military Advisory Council Opposes Prop 15

Posted on by Jon

Organization committed to partnership between military, elected officials and business community is the latest veteran group to oppose the largest property tax increase in state history

SACRAMENTO, CA – The San Diego Military Advisory Council announced its opposition to Proposition 15—the $11.5 billion property tax increase. They join a growing coalition of small business, military and veteran organizations who are opposing the largest property tax increase in state history.

San Diego Military Advisory Council is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area.

Read excerpts from the San Diego Military Advisory Council’s announcement below:

“‘Generations of former military members have been able to start successful small businesses here in San Diego that provide jobs for veterans and the community.’  

“‘Prop 15 will deal yet another blow to veteran-owned and other Main Street businesses when they are already struggling to recover from COVID-19…’

“‘There could not be a worse time for Prop 15 during a global pandemic and economic crisis. Join the San Diego Military Advisory Council in voting no…’

“‘San Diego has a proud history of supporting military families, active-duty personnel, and veterans.’ 

“‘As an organization founded to support local businesses and our military community, we are united in opposition to Prop 15.’ 

“Its impacts will be devastating to small businesses, active-duty military members and their families, veterans, and frankly our entire region.'”

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

ICYMI: Wall Street Journal Editorial Blasts Prop 15

Posted on by Jon

Criticizes Mark Zuckerberg’s Financial Support of Tax Hike that Hurts Small Businesses and Minority Communities

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Wall Street Journal has joined more than two dozen newspapers who are expressing their opposition to increased property taxes proposed by Proposition 15, the largest property tax increase in California’s history. The Editorial Board points out that fast food franchises, small dairies, wineries, orchards, manufacturers and small businesses will pay for Prop 15’s higher taxes while tech companies like Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook will be less affected as their employees are allowed to work remotely.

Read excerpts from the Wall Street Journal’s Editorial: California’s Next Big Tax Gulp below:

“On Nov. 3, Californians will vote on a “split roll” ballot initiative (Prop. 15) that seeks to enact the biggest tax hike in state history. In 1978 voters enshrined protections against runaway property taxes in the state Constitution (Prop 13). Prop. 15 would abolish those protections for businesses while maintaining limitations—at least for now—on homes…

“This (Prop 13) is the only balm in California’s oppressive tax climate and acts as a modest restraint on the government spending ratchet. Unions know that attempting to repeal this entirely would spur a homeowner revolt, so they are targeting businesses…

“Unions say their initiative will only hit wealthy corporations, but not even the Democratic-friendly NAACP believes that whopper, which is why it and minority business groups are campaigning against the initiative. Anyone who owns a couple of fast food franchises would get walloped. Ditto small dairies, wineries, orchards and manufacturers… 

“Small businesses that rent space note that landlords would pass on the tax hike in lease agreements. Less affected will be tech titans that recently purchased properties or are planning to down-size office space as they allow more employees to work remotely. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is Prop. 15’s second biggest donor.

“Perhaps he’s trying to atone for his wealth, but as the NAACP and minority business groups explained in a letter to him in August: ‘Unlike Facebook, restaurants, dry cleaners, nail salons and other small businesses can’t operate right now and many may never open again. The last thing they need is a billionaire pushing higher taxes on them under the false flag of social justice.'”

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

ICYMI: Former Democratic Majority Leader, State Senator Gloria Romero Says, “Californians are getting sucker punched by Prop 15”

Posted on by Jon

SACRAMENTO, CA: Former Democratic Majority Leader and State Senator Gloria Romero, the first woman to ever hold that leadership position, penned a column that ran in 11 Southern California News Group papers on Sunday. In the op-ed, Senator Romero highlights how Prop 15 is “masked as one of those ‘feel good’ initiatives based on claims it’s about ‘increasing funding sources for public schools'” but in reality there’s no guarantee that any of the revenues will “trickle down ‘for the children’ in the classroom.”

Senator Romero, who also chaired the Senate Education Committee during her time in the State Legislature, highlights the negative impact that Prop 15 will have on small business owners, employment, families, communities and students already suffering under the COVID-19 shut down.

Highlights from Senator Romero’s column, “No tax increases until there’s education reform” are as follow:

“Californians are getting sucker punched by Proposition 15, a statewide ballot initiative on the November ballot. Appropriate for the Halloween season and ongoing pandemic, it comes to us masked as one of those ‘feel good’ initiatives based on claims it’s just about “increasing funding sources for public schools.

“In fact, there are no guarantees that any of the new revenues raised will ever trickle down ‘for the children’ in a classroom. Most likely, the new taxes will travel through a confusing labyrinth of line items set up to benefit bureaucrats and their pensions and perks before any tax dollars ever end up in classrooms.

“As a life-long educator, voters shouldn’t fall for this sugarcoated poison pill — especially at a time when Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to strangle our economy by ordering shutdowns of businesses, schools, and churches with constantly changing arbitrary reopening metrics…

“Prop. 15 will raise property taxes by $11.5 billion per year and force many small businesses — already struggling to survive under Gov. Newsom’s harsh shutdown orders — to permanently shutter, negatively impacting jobs, families and communities throughout the state…

“Small businesses drive innovation in California’s economy. Before COVID-19, immigrants started 42 percent of California businesses, according to Harvard Business School. Minority- and women-owned businesses are vital parts of the economy, with 25 percent of businesses owned by Latinos and 38 percent owned by women.

“These businesses will face a significant rent hike because neighborhood restaurants, bakeries, nail salons and other mom and pop businesses frequently cannot afford to own their property, so they rent.

“During the first few months of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the number of Latino business owners declined by 32 percent during the pandemic’s early months, and women-owned businesses fell by 25 percent, according to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. With the surviving businesses struggling to pay rent now, how will they afford a rent increase under Prop. 15?

“Yet, there’s no guarantee that the monies raised by this tax increase would even go into the classroom. Prop. 15, quite simply, is just another blank check to the same broken system that — when it finally trickles down to the schools— finances pay raises and pensions first. In a moment of sanity, even the California School Boards Association has refused to endorse it.

“Quite frankly, if Prop. 15 were really about the kids the new revenue would be tied to reform metrics, including giving parents the right to choose the best schooling option for their kids. A measure concerned about our kids could have been written requiring that state education funding truly follows the child regardless of where they go to school — including parental choices for homeschooling, charter schools, and faith-based options…

“It’s time to vote No on Prop. 15. Do it for the kids.”

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

SPLIT-ROLL ARCHITECT, LENNY GOLDBERG, CONFIRMS NAACP STUDY STATING GOAL OF PROP 15 IS TO INCREASE GENTRIFICATION

Posted on by Jon

Pushing high-density urban development will drive up costs, force minority-owned businesses to close their doors and push them out of their communities

SACRAMENTO, CA – According to an article published recently in Inside Climate News, Lenny Goldberg, long-time executive director of the California Tax Reform Association and main architect of Proposition 15, called the measure a climate-friendly law because it would also help halt suburban sprawl. Goldberg’s concession means Prop 15 would result in higher density urban development, fewer housing choices for inner city residents, increased housing costs and gentrification of longtime communities.

Goldberg was quoted as saying, “A key component of lowering carbon emissions critically depends on intensifying land use, controlling sprawl and strengthening public transportation. Current tax laws do just the opposite by encouraging development where land costs less, outside of cities.”

By making this remarkable declaration, Goldberg is now on record admitting one of Prop 15’s consequences is intended to force higher density urban development, which will likely lead to further gentrification of older neighborhoods, fewer housing choices for inner city residents and ultimately higher housing costs. More importantly, Prop 15 will push up land costs in the suburbs and provide local governments with a financial incentive to reduce the amount of available farmland in favor of higher-taxed commercial development.

“Prop 15’s massive property tax hike will increase gentrification that’s become all too common in the Bay Area and many Southern California communities, and will cause irreparable damage to Black and minority-owned small businesses by driving gentrification in the state’s urban cores,” said Edwin Lombard, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce.  “That is why so many advocates for Black businesses are fighting hard to defeat Prop 15. We know it will drive urban land costs up and force many Black businesses to close their doors. Mr. Goldberg’s comments reinforce why Prop 15 will be devastating to Black and minority entrepreneurs throughout the state.”

The real threat of rapid gentrification should Prop 15 pass is a major reason why the California State Conference of the NAACP, Rev. Al Sharpton’s California State National Action Network, and the California Black Chamber of Commerce are working hard to defeat Prop 15 in November. Mr. Goldberg’s comments confirm findings made in the NAACP’s analysis of the impact of Prop 15 on the Black community: “In practice, split roll will consequently serve as an accelerant in gentrifying neighborhoods. As new businesses able to afford rising rents move into an area to serve higher income new residents, longtime neighborhood businesses—as the result of simply being located where they are—will suddenly face added cost pressures from property taxes as well.”

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

MASSIVE FLAWS IN PROP 15 LEAD MANY ORGANIZATIONS TO EITHER OPPOSE OR REMAIN NEUTRAL ON CONTROVERSIAL INITIATIVE

Posted on by Jon

League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Contract Cities and California Schools Board Association Take a Neutral Position While California Assessors’ Association and Rural County Representatives of California Oppose Largest Property Tax Hike in California History

 

SACRAMENTO, CA – The League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Contract Cities Association and the California School Boards Association are among a number of organizations that have voted to remain neutral on Proposition 15, the largest property tax hike in California history, despite being potential beneficiaries of the initiative. At the same time, the Rural County Representatives of California and the California Assessors’ Association have taken oppose positions on Prop 15.

“It’s no surprise that county government associations did not support Prop 15,” said Tom Bordonaro, San Luis Obispo County Assessor. “In my own analysis of the measure for our county, it is probable that the many flaws in the measure make it not just impossible for me to administer but also could mean that our county actually loses money for vital services. It’s clear that associations throughout the state understand that now is not the right time for a severely flawed measure that could make income inequality worse in many regions of the state.”

None of the major associations that would receive money from the initiative have voted to support it. Associations representing both cities and counties voted to remain neutral, while the association representing rural counties unanimously opposed the measure. Even the California School Boards Association voted to remain neutral.

“Prop 15 creates winners and losers among California’s many school districts,” said Jag Bains, Natomas Unified School Board member. “Even worse, Prop 15 prioritizes education funding last and there is no guarantee that the money will make it into the classroom to help our kids. Even the California School Boards Association refuses to support Prop 15.”

Read the flaws of Prop 15 here. 

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.

PROP 15 PROPONENT HIGHLIGHTS HOW HOMEOWNERS ARE NEXT UNLESS MASSIVE PROPERTY TAX IS DEFEATED

Posted on by Jon

Campaign spokesperson drops “dog whistle” during KCRA-TV interview about the largest property tax increase in California history

SACRAMENTO, CA: Last night, during a KCRA election preview about Proposition 15, the measure’s proponents again signaled their intention that homeowners are next. While proponents have vigorously denied such claims and claimed that such words are “scare tactics,” their pleas belie the fact that Prop 15 backers have a 40-year documented history of opposing property tax protections made possible by Prop 13 and will say and do anything to repeal it in its entirety.

During last night’s TV news segment, the following exchange occurred between Rachel Michelin, president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, and Carol Moon Goldberg, proponent and author of Prop 15 and president of the League of Women Voters of California, when discussing how homeowners are next for property tax increases:

Rachel Michelin: “I absolutely believe that if you open that door a little bit…they’re going to swing it wide open in future elections.”

Carol Moon Goldberg: “My response is Prop 15 is on the ballot and voters have the final say on that. If there is something that relates to homeowners’ properties in the future, the voters will have the final say on that.”

“Ms. Moon Goldberg’s comments indicate in clear, unmistakable terms that Prop 15 proponents, should they be successful in passing Prop 15, will next come after Prop 13’s homeowner protections,” stated Michael Bustamante, spokesperson for the No on Prop 15 campaign. “Not only do we have four decades of quotes by the same groups that have contributed millions to Prop 15, but now we also have them signaling to those that have wanted to do away with Prop 13 that homeowners will be next.”

Supporters of Prop 15, including the California Teachers Association (CTA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) among others, have tried to undermine and repeal Prop 13 for more than 40 years.

  • In August 2020 at a Yes on Prop 15 event, UTLA president Cecily Myart-Cruz said, “We’ve got to be able to pass Schools and Communities First, as one measure, and then come back with another measure, and another, so that we make the rich pay their fair share.”
  • After Prop 13’s passage, the CTA, SEIU and CFT unsuccessfully sued to block the implementation of Prop 13 and its taxpayer protections for residential property owners. In its court filings, CTA specifically objected to the 2% cap on assessed value growth for residential property.
  • In 1992, CTA, SEIU, CFT, and CTRA spent more than $600,000 to support Prop 167, a massive tax hike measure that included a split-roll property tax. Opponents of Prop 167 warned that the measure would increase residential rents. Prop 167 failed by a vote of 41% to 59%.
  • In 2014, Lowell Goodman, a former SEIU Local 721 communications director, proposed anti-Prop 13 documentary and included a trailer and 17-page proposal. The 17-page proposal was entitled “A Documentary Film Proposal by Lowell Goodman.” The proposal stated that fully repealing Prop 13 was a “great idea” and outlined a three-part strategy to dismantle Prop 13. The three-part strategy included removing Prop 13 tax caps for homeowners by “periodically” reassessing residential properties to raise residential valuations up to market value. The three-part strategy also included proposals for a split-roll and to eliminate the “absurd” 2/3 requirement to hike taxes.
  • And finally, Prop 15 proponents objected to virtually every single sentence in their “kitchen sink” lawsuit before the Sacramento Superior Court except the sentence claiming, “homeowners are next” because they knew the evidence was against them—there is clear proof that proponents have claimed for years that homeowners are next.

For more proof that Prop 15 supporters will target homeowners next visit: https://stophigherpropertytaxes.org/homeowners-are-next/

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ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13
No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.