“Councilman Russell Johnson Led the Effort to Pass the Resolution Defending Proposition 13”
October 22, 2014
Bakersfield – With the leadership of Councilman Russell Johnson, a resolution to support taxpayer’s rights and defend Proposition 13 was approved today by the Bakersfield City Council. The resolution was heard at the City Council meeting on October 22 and passed unanimously.
“Today the Bakersfield City Council took an important step to stand up for Taxpayers and Proposition 13,” commented Council Member Russell Johnson. “As the ninth largest City in California, we added our strength to the growing list of cities that have stood up for Taxpayers and passed resolutions supporting Proposition 13,” added Johnson.
Other cities include: Fullerton, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, La Mesa, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Oakley, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, and Villa Park.
In 1978 taxpayers approved Proposition 13, titled the “People’s Initiative to Limit Property Taxation.” The initiative prevented huge swings in property taxes, ensured homeowners were protected, allowed for certainty and fostered economic growth.
During the most recent legislative session taxpayers rights were under assault. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 would have removed the 2/3 vote requirement to approve local bonds. According to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, this is the first time since the passage of Proposition 13 that a bill has come so close to gutting Proposition 13. The measure passed out of the Assembly, but died in the State Senate.
Jon Coupal is the President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA). HJTA, with offices in both Los Angeles and Sacramento, is the largest taxpayers association in California with a membership of over 200,000. Founded by the late Howard Jarvis, the author of Proposition 13, HJTA’s name is synonymous with tax relief and the uncompromising defense of the California homeowner.