*Reposted from the Alliance for a Better California*

FOR IMMEDIARE RELEASE

March 13, 2024

Contact: Mike Roth, mike@paschalroth.com

Sacramento, CA – Counties, cities, special districts, labor groups and community organizations representing millions of Californians across the state are calling out the California Business Roundtable’s deceptively titled “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act,” slated for the November 2024 ballot. 

Under the guise of reform, the measure – more accurately described as the Taxpayer Deception Act – limits the ability for voters and state and local governments to fund services by making it harder to raise revenue and pass future ballot measures. It is also retroactive to January 1, 2022, invalidating more than 100 voter-approved ballot measures and new laws. 

“California’s counties are strongly opposed to this dangerous initiative, which will jeopardize the core services our communities rely upon,” said Graham Knaus, Chief Executive Officer, California State Association of Counties. “Funded by a handful of corporate special interests, the measure would undermine voter rights by invalidating measures passed by local voters, imperil core government services for decades, and lead to endless lawsuits that will cost taxpayers.”

“The Taxpayer Deception Act would be a devastating blow to California workers,” Executive Officer, Jay Bradshaw of the Nor Cal Carpenters Union. “Not only would it crater local and state budgets for the upkeep and construction of our roads, freeways and bridges – it would rob hundreds of thousands of workers of the good-paying jobs that keep a roof over their head and keep our economy strong. It will also put-up roadblocks to delivering the housing that all of our communities desperately need. Voters should not be fooled by this deceptive measure, and we urge Californians to vote NO in November.”

“Working Californians are already struggling to make ends meet when paying their rent, at the gas pumps, or buying groceries. The disturbing truth about the reckless Taxpayer Deception Act is that it leaves these struggling Californians without access to critical safety net services including paid family leave, and access to housing that is affordable,” said Sabrina Smith, CEO, California Calls. “By retroactively nullifying more than 130 voter-approved laws, this measure unwinds decades of progress California has made towards equity, opportunity and prosperity for all – which is why each of our 31 grassroots, community based organizations across the state stand together in proud opposition.”

“This dangerous initiative funded by wealthy corporations essentially means ‘lights out at city hall’ for our cities,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Preventing and reducing homelessness, planning for more housing, picking up the trash, paving streets and roads, and guaranteeing that someone will be there when you dial 911 — this is what’s at stake for residents if this measure passes.”

“Initiative 1935, the ‘Taxpayer Deception Act,’ is irresponsible and unconstitutional,” said Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer, California Special Districts Association. “It retroactively invalidates decisions our communities have already approved, stops critical infrastructure projects in their tracks, and threatens the health, safety, and well-being of hardworking families. Local leaders representing communities of all sizes throughout the state stand united against this corporate attack on voters, and its threat to the water, fire protection, healthcare, sanitation, parks and other fundamental local services people need.”

The Taxpayer Deception Act was placed on the ballot by the California Business Roundtable and California Business Properties Association and is primarily funded by multi-billion-dollar real estate interests and landlords who want to overturn the will of the voters to avoid paying their fair share. 

THE TAXPAYER DECEPTION ACT THREATENS VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES, UNDERMINES THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS & CREATES CHAOS BY:

• Cutting billions from state and local governments and forcing cuts to safety net services.
• Overturning funding for paid family leave, disability insurance, gun violence prevention, and climate programs.
• Threatening the safety of roads, freeways, and bridges by permanently eliminating billions in road repair and infrastructure funding.
• Allowing just 1/3 of voters to make local funding decisions and block ballot measures over the will of the majority.
• Exacerbating deficits and worsening unbalanced budgets.

###