Proposition 43 – Local Tax Thresholds
IJ Action Recommendation: VOTE NO
Summary
Prop 43 would make it more difficult to raise taxes at the local level by raising the voter threshold from a simple majority to a ⅔ vote for these measures to pass. This measure would only apply to measures placed on the ballot by a voter initiative, since the ⅔ threshold already applies to measures placed on the ballot by local governments.
Supporters Say
Supporters say that local taxes are already too high, and it is necessary to raise the voting threshold to make it harder for voters to approve new taxes. They claim Prop 43 protects homeowners, renters, and small businesses from new taxes. Prop 43 is supported by advocates for lower taxes such as the Howard Jarvis Tax Association, as well as dozens of Republican lawmakers and Chamber of Commerce chapters.
Opponents Say
Opponents argue that making local taxes more difficult to enact could result in local jurisdictions struggling to pay for basic services that their communities need. They state that, under a ⅔ vote requirement, only 33.3% of “no” votes would be necessary to defeat a measure and that is unfair. Prop 43 is opposed by the California Democratic Party and SEIU local 1000.
IJ Action Recommendation
VOTE NO. Prop 43 is another attempt by large corporations and the ultra-wealthy to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Furthermore, this measure undermines the importance of majority rule, which is in itself a threat to the democratic process.