Resolution/Oppose Initiative 21-0042A1 “The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” Page 1 of 2 Rev: 11/22/17
RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
TO OPPOSE INITIATI VE 21-0042A1 “THE TAXPAYER
PROTECTION AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT”
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, an association representing California’s wealthiest corporations is behind an initiative that has qualified to be placed on the November 2024 statewide ballot; and, WHEREAS, the measure creates new constitutional loopholes that allow corporations to pay far less than their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities, including local infrastructure, our environment, water quality, air quality, and natural resources; and, WHEREAS, the measure includes undemocratic provisions that would make it more difficult for local voters to pass measures needed to fund local services and infrastructure, and would limit voter input by prohibiting local advisory measures where voters provide direction on how they want their local tax dollars spent; and,
WHEREAS, the measure makes it much more difficult for state and local regulators to issue fines and levies on corporations that violate laws intended to protect our environment, public health and safety, and our neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, the measure puts billions of dollars currently dedicated to state and local services at risk, and could force cuts to public schools, fire and emergency response, law enforcement, public health, parks, libraries, affordable housing, services to support homeless residents, mental health services, and more; and,
WHEREAS, the measure would also reduce funding for critical infrastructure like streets and roads, public transportation, drinking water, new schools, sanitation, and utilities; and WHEREAS, on November 8, 2022, nearly 60% of Santa Clara voters passed Measure H to update the City’s Business License Tax program, which will generate approximately $6,000,000 annually to support essential City services; and
WHEREAS, the measure threatens anticipated City revenue as it would retroactively cancel Resolution/Oppose Initiative 21-0042A1 “The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” Page 2 of 2 Rev: 11/22/17
Measure H since it was passed by voters after January 1, 2022 and did not comply with all the measure’s provisions; and
WHERAS, the City would have to resubmit Measure H to the voters for re-approval or otherwise become void after twelve months and the City would no longer be able to collect revenue under those provisions.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the City strongly opposes Initiative 21-0042A1 “The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act; and
2. That the City will join the League of California Cities, Alliance for a Better California (a coalition of labor groups), California State Association of Counties, California Special Districts Association, California Alliance for Jobs, the Contract Cities Association, and other local government organizations throughout the state in their efforts to protect voters and vital local services.
3. Effective date. This resolution shall become effective immediately.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE A TRUE COPY OF A RESOLUTION PASSED
AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, AT A REGULAR MEETING THEREOF HELD ON THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2023, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: COUNCILORS:
NOES: COUNCILORS:
ABSENT: COUNCILORS:
ABSTAINED: COUNCILORS:
ATTEST: ______________________________
NORA PIMENTEL, MMC
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
CITY OF SANTA CLARA
Attachments incorporated by reference: None