California’s affordability crisis is driving families out of the state—and it’s only getting worse. Despite 40-year high inflation driving the cost of everyday necessities even higher, constant tax and fee increases are fueling the state’s already sky-high cost of living.
California’s addiction to higher taxes hurts Californians on a fixed income who struggle to put food on their table or fill up their gas tank. Despite a nearly $100 billion surplus, $334 billion in new and higher taxes were proposed since the start of 2021.
Even though the state has never had more revenue, taxes go up every year, and the state gets less and less affordable. This cycle doesn’t have to continue forever. There’s a better path forward through the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TP+GAA) — a proposed statewide ballot measure that would give voters the final say on all new tax increases.
The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act will soon qualify for the November 2024 ballot and is a simple measure. It will give voters the right to vote on new and higher taxes and ensures that tax dollars are actually spent where promised. Here is how:
✓Gives voters the final say on all new and higher taxes
✓Requires all new taxes to designate a use, rate, and duration
✓Closes loopholes
✓Maintains current revenue and spending
Californians pay some of the highest taxes in the nation, yet we drive on some of the worst roads, our children attend poorly ranked public schools, and a lack of affordable housing and homelessness are overwhelming our communities. Residents are right to wonder where all their tax dollars go.
With the Taxpayer Protection Act, we finally have a chance to hold our elected officials accountable and give voters more say over how their money is spent.
With Californians struggling to make ends meet and the cost of living continuing to skyrocket, it is long past time voters were given the right to vote on all new taxes.
Visit www.taxpayerprotection.com for more information or to join the coalition to protect taxpayers and hold the government accountable!
Jon Coupal is the president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association – which advocates for the advancement of taxpayers’ rights, including the right to limited taxation, the right to vote on tax increases and the right of economical, equitable and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.