Democrats in the Cal State Senate are beginning the process of attempting to rein in Proposition 13. The voter-approved measure limits property taxes. But it also requires a two-thirds voter approval for any special tax.
Democrats are pushing six separate Constitutional Amendments that would lower the voter threshold to fifty-five percent. They said Prop 13 deprives the state of billions of dollars in much needed tax revenue.
But Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said his group is ready to fight to preserve Prop 13 in its current form.
"We already have the highest income tax rate in America," Coupal explained. "We have the highest state sales tax. Even with Prop 13 we rank 14th out of 50 states in per capita property tax collections."
Democratic leaders have signaled a willingness to consider changes to Prop. 13 but they do not appear to be in a hurry to take the measure up this year.
