Los Angeles Mayor Wants To Overhaul Prop. 13

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants to keep tax limits for homeowners in place – but eliminate them for commercial property.

“So to governor Brown, I say, you need to have the courage to test the voltage of some of these so-called third rail issues, beginning with Proposition 13.”

He said changes to pensions and education are also needed. He called on lawmakers and the governor to form a commission to examine the issues and work out what he terms a “grand bargain” between Republicans and Democrats.

Jon Coupal is with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association -- a staunch advocate of Proposition 13. “We think ultimately the best policy is change California into a state that attracts and retains businesses by having a reasonable tax and regulatory climate,” he said.

Villaraigosa made his comments during an address to the Sacramento Press Club that sounded a lot like a campaign speech. But when asked he said the appearance “was not about running for office.”