Top 5 Reasons Cities Should Oppose the
Taxpayer Deception Act
An association representing California’s wealthiest corporations — developers, oil, insurance, and drug companies — is behind a deceptive November 2024 statewide ballot proposition that would revise the state Constitution, creating new loopholes that enrich corporations at the expense of residents and our communities. Here are the top 5 reasons cities should oppose this dangerous and undemocratic measure.
According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, this measure would significantly reduce funding for state and local services. It could force billions of dollars in cuts to fire and 911 emergency response, law enforcement, services that support homeless residents, and much more. 1 Jeopardizes Funding for Vital Local Services
The measure contains intentionally vague language that will encourage hundreds of frivolous lawsuits against cities and local governments — costing taxpayers millions and blocking investments in local vital services.
2 Opens the Door for Frivolous Lawsuits Against Cities
This measure fundamentally changes our constitution to make it far more difficult for voters to pass measures to fund local services. It also includes a hidden provision that would retroactively cancel measures passed by voters after January 1, 2022 — undermining the decisions of local voters. It would also limit voter input by prohibiting local advisory measures, where voters provide direction to politicians on how they want their local tax dollars spent. 3 Attacks Voter Rights
4 This measure is opposed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of cities and counties, firefighters, nurses, teachers, environmental groups, unions, and business leaders across the state.
Opposed by a Broad Coalition5
Allows Wealthy Corporations to Avoid Paying Their Fair Share Creates major new constitutional loopholes that allow wealthy corporations to avoid paying their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities. It shifts the burden and forces individual taxpayers to pay more.
Paid for by Protecting Local Democracy and Vital Services, a Committee Opposed to Initiative 1935 Sponsored By The League Of California Cities