What would CA's Taxpayer Protection Act accomplish?

Bartolomeo Manfredi: Midas Washing at the Source of the Pactolus. Image by Regan Vercrysse

In a Reform California webinar, chairman Carl DeMaio breaks down the five key tenets of proposed Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (starting with requiring voter approval of all State tax increases). San Jose CM Doan is the City's lone supporter for the Act, while others fear—contra the Wall Street Journal board's analysis—that it would roll the dice with essential government services.

The reason why this is a game changer is it gives citizens back Prop 13 protections. And it gives us new tools to fight taxes on an ongoing basis. This is the most consequential tax reform measure since 1978, and here's why.

First, it requires a public vote on all state tax hikes. This would have ended the gas and car tax from 2017. It requires that any tax hike approved at the state level must now also be presented to the voters for approval in a public vote.

Second, it requires two-thirds vote in the State Legislature on fees. This is not currently required under Prop 13. This would basically end their scam of calling something a fee and avoiding Prop 13 requirements.

It also restores a two-thirds public vote locally for tax hikes that are earmarked.

It requires that when these items are presented on the ballot, that we have an honest ballot title. The word “tax increase” must be included in the title and the summary so you know that you're voting on a tax increase. This is a game changer. It will absolutely help us defeat these at the ballot box.

And finally, it actually repeals taxes and fee increases that were imposed 2022 or forward. This clawback provision will result in immediate savings for taxpayers across the state of California in the range of about $10 billion and counting. (15:26–17:06)

Watch the whole thing here.

Related:

• HJTA: Taxpayer Protection Act would fortify Californians from unwanted new taxes

• Opinion: Why is CA Legislature so spooked about pro-Prop 13 measure?

• Santa Clara County was (and is) Prop 13 country—despite politicians' opposition

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