Constitution

Background on Proposition 13

jmonma — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:31:05 -0800

On June 6th, 1978, nearly two-thirds of California's voters passed Proposition 13, reducing property taxes by about 57%.
Read Proposition 13 as it is enshrined in the California state constitution. Read the text of the initiative circulated to voters. Read more >>

Surprise Attack on Proposition 13

gforster — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:24:41 -0800

In perhaps one of the most brazen political moves in California history, Democrat leadership last week unveiled a budget proposal that would shred the California Constitution by raising billions of new taxes without the required two-thirds vote. Read more >>

Voters Shut Out of Prison Bond Debt Decision

gforster — Sun, 06 May 2007 18:05:18 -0700

Like most political decisions made under duress, there are legitimate questions as to whether the deal reflects good public policy -- or whether it was even legal. Read more >>

Caution: Bonds Have A Hidden Cost

Jon Coupal — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:26:41 -0700

There was a popular song a few years ago called, "Money for Nothing." While the tune was a satire on the vast amounts paid to successful rock stars, the title could just as easily apply to many voters' attitudes toward bonds.

As we approach the November election with over $41 billion in bonds on the statewide ballot, and additional billions being considered for local jurisdictions, now is a good time to brush up on the significance of bonds, their true costs, and how they are repaid. Read more >>

The Original Proposition 13

jmonma — Wed, 03 May 2006 19:21:37 -0700

Text of Proposition 13 as originally presented to the voters (June 1978) Read more >>

Proposition 13: Love It or Hate It, Its Roots Go Deep

jmonma — Sun, 31 Oct 1993 18:11:30 -0800

Introduction

California continues to face one of the most serious crises in the state's public finance history, and proposals are likely to surface in the Legislature or via the initiative process that would overhaul the way taxes are imposed on individuals, businesses and property owners, both residential and commercial. This research bulletin, the first in an occasional Cal-Tax series on public finance issues, examines California's property tax system. It highlights the strengths of acquisition-value assessments and projects the ramifications of possible changes to the system established by Proposition 13. Read more >>