Every penny counts for seniors, students, the working poor, and others living on fixed or low incomes. This has been abundantly clear as we have seen how the recent wave of inflation, out-of-control gas prices, and constantly rising taxes and fees have eroded the financial stability for many Californian households.
Gas or groceries? Utility bills or clothing for children? This is a reality that millions of individuals and families face. Increasingly they are struggling to make these tough choices.
Fortunately, for nearly 40 years there has been an automatic brake on property tax hikes for homeowners, apartment landlords and business owners; it was Proposition 13, a voter-driven law that has prevented skyrocketing property tax increases on homeownership and the costs of renting.
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, capped property tax increases, providing homeowners with stability and predictability. Similarly, Proposition 218, enacted in 1996, granted citizens the right to vote on local taxes and fees, ensuring that their voices are heard in matters of financial burden. Both propositions stand as twin fortresses that protect the spending power of fixed-income households. These measures offer a sense of security, shielding individuals from unrealistic property tax hikes and ensuring they are not forced out of their homes because they can’t afford to pay their property tax bill.
But the sanctity of voters’ ability to pass these types of propositions is under attack. Roe v. Wade has rolled back abortion rights. States like Georgia are accused of denying the right to vote. And now a California measure – ACA 13 – is attempting to do the same thing for the rights of taxpayers and California residents who are in danger of losing taxpayer protections.
The California legislature is rushing ACA 13 so it will appear on the March ballot as an initiative designed to trick Californians into undermining their own power. ACA 13 poses a clear and deliberate challenge to taxpayer protections by requiring an unprecedented two-third majority for passing citizen-initiated taxpayer protection ballot measures, potentially paving the way for future assaults on Prop 13 and Prop 218. It’s a sneaky way for politicians and special interests to more easily combat the ability of voters to approve higher fees and taxes.
There is little regard in Sacramento for how ACA 13 will compromise the financial security of hard-working households for their own agendas. If passed, ACA 13 would make it incredibly difficult for voters to defend against attacks on these critical measures.
This is why there needs to be a loud and clear message from Californians – ACA 13 is simply undemocratic and a sleazy way to take more of our money. This will further disrupt the fragile equilibrium of our economy. And it could destroy those living on fixed incomes because it will only inflame inflation and reduce spending power.
The wealthy, elite politicians pushing ACA13 may think California’s ridiculously high gas prices are a mere inconvenience and that increasing taxes and fees won’t be a big deal. But for those on a fixed budget, it’s a serious concern that affects our ability to maintain our quality of life.
The positives brought by Proposition 13 and Proposition 218 are currently under threat by ACA 13, a move that will make it difficult to protect these hard-fought safeguards. Can you imagine what property taxes would be without these protections? Can you accept that your right as a voter will be diminished and make it much more difficult to protect what money you have left to spend?
Propositions 13 and 218 were the result of Californians coming together to tell Sacramento politicians that “enough is enough.” Sadly, the time has come for the people to speak out again against the threat of ACA 13. By rallying together and raising our voices, Californians can protect the taxpayer protections that have brought a measure of financial stability to our lives.
Aidan Chao, chairman of the Los Angeles County Taxpayers Association, a non-profit organization focused on informing and empowering working and middle-class residents about the burden of high taxes and increasing costs.
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