☆ HJTA: Santa Clara Valley’s parcel tax is unconstitutional, could “go away”
“Citizens’ initiatives” like Measure D evade the CA state constitution’s requirement for a two-thirds vote, says Susan Shelley of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association. Through a loophole, these special purpose taxes get to sashay in with a simple majority. November’s “Save Prop 13” ballot measure could kneecap Measure D soon after it comes on the scene. An Opportunity Now exclusive comment.
Measure D is a "citizens' initiative tax increase," a parcel tax (extra property tax) for a special purpose. The California Constitution requires the approval of two-thirds of voters for special taxes, but courts have carved a loophole that says fewer votes are needed to pass a "citizens' initiative tax increase." The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association's "Save Proposition 13" ballot measure, which will be on the November ballot, will repeal (in two years) all property-related special taxes that passed with less than a two-thirds vote. Measure D could go away in two years if it passes with only a simple majority.
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