If the transit tax passes next November, sales taxes in 7 Bay Area cities will be 11% or more. In 31 other cities the tax will be 10%-10.75%. Those numbers will be higher if the Santa Clara County sales tax hike passes this November.
Thanks to everyone who helped us kill this poorly thought out, illegal, piece of legislation. @hjta. Jon Coupal: Attempted extortion of taxpayers fails.
Jon Coupal: Attempted extortion of taxpayers fails
Taxpayers throughout California, not only in Los Angeles, are entitled to the protections that Proposition 13 added to the state constitution.
www.ocregister.com
Another example of what Prop 13 fixed in California 47 years ago. A median purchase in Silicon Valley ($2M) will run you $20K the first year, then a max increase of 2% per year regardless of homes prices appreciating at a higher rate (market value increase).
In Plano, you'd be…
"The cost of putting California’s partisan redistricting ballot measure before voters this fall is expected to run the state $282.6 million, eclipsing the final bill of the last statewide special election."
Here’s how much the special election for California’s partisan redistricting measure will cost
Prop. 50 is expected to cost more than the 2021 gubernatorial recall election.
www.mercurynews.com
As the #caleg engages in the time-honored tradition of passing budget trailer bills with language just before the deadline & negotiated behind closed doors, often with spurious budget appropriations, I thank @SenRogerNiello for his clear words & leadership opposing this process.
I asked the nonpartisan LAO to provide a cost analysis on the legislature’s Cap and Trade reauthorization.
They were unable to provide that analysis citing the “highly compressed time frame”.
Californians deserve better.
Our state is in an affordability crisis - legislators…
SHIFT-Bay Area will be the primary multi-county group opposing the SB 63 sales tax grab for the Bay Area's unaccountable transit agencies. Please get involved. https://shiftbayarea.substack.com/p/more-sales-taxes-for-transit-were?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=4085478&post_id=173249646&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=kpbbn&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Why would businesses that are hit by real estate transfer taxes want to settle for a legislative fix that can be reversed at any time, instead of supporting http://SaveProp13.com, which bans and repeals all transfer taxes higher than 0.11 percent?
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-09-10/measure-ula-bill
That was fast. #caleg
Friday! Sign the petition in person or get it online right now at http://SaveProp13.com.
SB 63, the Bay Area transit tax, has some new language about finding financial efficiencies. Unfortunately, those efficiencies must be found by a highly paid consulting firm.
California transit is a racket run for the benefit of consultants, managers, and unions.
Victory! Thanks to the thousands of @hjta members who flooded the Capitol with phone calls. This attempt to jam a flawed bill failed. Our initiative moves forward. "In abrupt turnabout, Mayor Karen Bass withdraws her bill to overhaul L.A.'s mansion tax."
In abrupt turnabout, Mayor Bass withdraws her bill to overhaul L.A.'s 'mansion tax'
Bass had pushed for the bill to rewrite Measure ULA in the final days of the legislative session, only to reverse course, saying she needed more time.
www.latimes.com
Prop 19, which has stripped away the opportunity to build generational wealth in the Black and Latino communities, has once again generated zero dollars for state firefighting. A cautionary tale for those who would take advice from Bob Hertzberg. Prop 19 was his deal. @hjta
Democrats' new play: killing tax initiatives in the #CALeg
With measures limiting tax hikes unlikely to pass #CALeg, business groups turn to the ballot.
So Dems undermine w bills.
Last yr, raising approval bar. Now: conditioning LA tax relief on @HJTA measure dying.
.@SFBART we’re waiting for the list of executive sacrifices and organizational efficiencies to meet this moment of fiscal crisis. Just take a picture of that list in your top drawer and post. Thanks.
📛SB 423 is a shakedown.
Democrats are using Palisades Fire victims to block Prop 13 reform.
They’re holding wildfire relief hostage — no help unless taxpayers surrender the two-thirds vote rule.
This isn’t compassion. It’s political blackmail.
#CALeg #SB423 #PalisadesFire…
If you can’t win fair, cheat. This is the tactic of the legislature against initiatives which they dislike.
Sacramento is the true swamp.
“Oh, you want relief from horrible taxes in LA? You must kill tax relief for everyone in the state!”
Senator Gonzalez offering documentary transfer tax release to Los Angeles on the condition that a 2026 ballot measure from @HJTA fails. Unbelievable.
In a last-minute gut and amend, the Legislature is tying relief from Measure ULA for folks in the Palisades (and big developers) to the failure of our initiative. Absolutely depraved. (SB 423)
The Crony Developer Gimme Act of 2025, SB 423, is live. It hints at a taxpayer bailout to "cure default," exempts 'affordable housing' from "any land use restriction" and exempts projects from the Measure ULA tax ONLY IF @HJTA's initiative is killed.
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Save Prop. 13
Learn more about the Local Taxpayer Protection Act to Save Prop. 13.
SaveProp13.com
My wide-ranging one-on-one interview with @joncoupal - President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (@HJTA ). Check it out! https://open.substack.com/pub/sodoesitmatter/p/one-on-one-interview-with-jon-coupal?r=295f8&utm_medium=ios
One longtime staffer is driving California’s 11th-hour climate negotiations.
Kip Lipper remains one of the most powerful unelected ppl in Sacramento — which is fomenting frustration, @alexdrnieves and @cvonka report:
Sacramento's most powerful puppet master is causing climate chaos
Kip Lipper is at the center of state lawmakers’ gridlock on energy bills.
www.politico.com
Late amendments in the works for SB 423, a bill about inmate firefighters, changing it into a bill to give developers an exemption from transfer taxes like Measure ULA, but ONLY if they're able to kill @HJTA's Save Prop 13 initiative. SIGN THE PETITION AT .
Save Prop. 13
Learn more about the Local Taxpayer Protection Act to Save Prop. 13.
SaveProp13.com
Join @HJTA president @JonCoupal and me tonight on 790 KABC & 810 KSFO for the Howard Jarvis Radio Show at 6:00 pm. We'll talk about what's headed for the ballot this November and next November, including HJTA's new initiative. Go to http://SaveProp13.com and sign the petition!
California retains its place as having the nation's highest rate of poverty when cost of living is a factor -- 17.7%, tied with Louisiana, according to Census Bureau.
Poverty in the United States: 2024
www.census.gov
The SB 63 transit tax will extract over $1 billion annually from already-overtaxed Bay Area residents to fund agencies that have yet to get serious about fiscal discipline.
The @HJTA Sacramento office is already receiving signed petitions for the Local Taxpayer Protection Act to Save Prop 13, and the advertising campaign just started this morning. These petition signers heard about it last week and printed it at home. http://SaveProp13.com.
A small city in the Sacramento Delta is considering municipal bankruptcy, but as I explain disincorporation is a better solution.
For Isleton (and other small California cities), disincorporation is the answer | California Policy...
The small Sacramento Delta city of Isleton has been making news for all the wrong reasons this summer. It is f...
californiapolicycenter.org
Just three examples of gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. "Jon Coupal: Sacramento Democrats are always willing to burn other people’s money." @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Sacramento Democrats are always willing to burn other people’s money
It’s a shame that no politician was brave enough to ask the tough question about the cost to taxpayers.
www.ocregister.com
In a stunning report, StorageCafe reveals that CA remains the “undisputed leader in outbound migration nationwide, with nearly 683,000 residents leaving the state in a single year, according to U.S. Census data.” @hjta. The Sandstorm: Malifornia.
The Sandstorm: Malifornia - The Heartland Institute
In a stunning report, StorageCafe reveals that California remains the “undisputed leader in outbound migration nationwid...
heartland.org
More proof that universal basic income programs are ineffective. That's why other nations have abandoned them. @hjta. "A study finds $1,000 monthly payments have few long-term benefits." via @WSJopinion
Opinion | A Guaranteed Annual Income Flop
A test of free $1,000 grants showed few social or natalist benefits.
www.wsj.com
Thanks to everyone who helped us kill this poorly thought out, illegal, piece of legislation. @hjta. Jon Coupal: Attempted extortion of taxpayers fails.
Jon Coupal: Attempted extortion of taxpayers fails
Taxpayers throughout California, not only in Los Angeles, are entitled to the protections that Proposition 13 added to the state constitution.
www.ocregister.com
Victory! Thanks to the thousands of @hjta members who flooded the Capitol with phone calls. This attempt to jam a flawed bill failed. Our initiative moves forward. "In abrupt turnabout, Mayor Karen Bass withdraws her bill to overhaul L.A.'s mansion tax."
In abrupt turnabout, Mayor Bass withdraws her bill to overhaul L.A.'s 'mansion tax'
Bass had pushed for the bill to rewrite Measure ULA in the final days of the legislative session, only to reverse course, saying she needed more time.
www.latimes.com
Gas Taxes by State, 2025 . I’m shocked! Shocked, I tell you, that CA has the highest gas tax in the nation. @hjta.
Comparing 2025 Gas Taxes by State
California levies the highest tax on gasoline at 70.9 cents per gallon (cpg), followed by Illinois at 66.4 cpg and Washington at 59.0 cpg.
taxfoundation.org
Absolutely correct. "LA's 'mansion tax' reduces property sales and hurts schools." @hjta. via @edsource
COMMENTARY: LA’s ‘mansion tax’ reduces property sales and hurts schools
Cities considering similar taxes should heed what happened in Los Angeles: Measure ULA has discouraged sales of high...
edsource.org
Buy everyone a small EV. It would be cheaper. "The true cost of transit..." @hjta. https://open.substack.com/pub/shiftbayarea/p/the-true-cost-of-transit?r=1vuxk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Jon Coupal: A silver lining from Newsom’s redistricting scheme? @ocregister. @hjta.
Jon Coupal: A silver lining from Newsom’s redistricting scheme?
With this progressive effort hitting the trifecta of foolishness, hypocrisy, and dishonesty, how could there possibly be a silver lining?
www.ocregister.com
So, your really want to run for President? There's an iceberg of embarrassment dead ahead. "Poll: California voters back independent congressional maps, complicating Gavin Newsom’s redistricting push." @hjta. via @politico
Poll: California voters back independent congressional maps, complicating Gavin Newsom’s redistri...
The latest POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey found that strong majorities in both parties prefer an independ...
politi.co
Common Cause = Common Sellout. "Good government group backtracks amid redistricting fight, won’t oppose efforts ‘counterbalancing’ Texas." @hjta. via @politico
Good government group backtracks amid redistricting fight, won’t oppose efforts ‘counterbalancing’...
Common Cause softened its stance on redistricting after previously equating Gavin Newsom with Texas Republicans.
politi.co
Billion$ in cost$. Who's going to pay? "Jon Coupal: Will LA taxpayers be on the hook for Olympic costs?" @hjta, via @ladailynews
Jon Coupal: Will LA taxpayers be on the hook for Olympic costs?
If the negative reaction to Trump’s executive order is any indication, the 2028 games could easily turn into a ...
www.dailynews.com
Yes, Progressives, the First Amendment is the law, even here in California. "Federal Judge Strikes Down California's Unconstitutional Deepfake Law." @hjta.
Federal Judge Strikes Down California’s Unconstitutional Deepfake Law
I previously criticized the California law, called the Defending Democracy from Deepfake Deception Act of 2024, as f...
jonathanturley.org
In the redistricting fight, be careful what you ask for. "Jon Coupal: Will Gavin Newsom ‘hoist with his own petard’?" @hjta.
Jon Coupal: Will Gavin Newsom ‘hoist with his own petard’?
In the famous words of the former Republican leader of the U.S. Senate, Newsom may “rue the day” he tried to hijack the redistricting process.
www.ocregister.com
Nothing to see here. Move along. "California ranks No. 1 for unemployment. Again." @hjta. via @ladailynews
California ranks No. 1 for unemployment. Again.
5.4% rate for June tied Nevada as No. 1. The last time California was highest for unemployment? October 2021.
www.dailynews.com
From our friends @caltax. "Loophole that paves the way for tax hikes should be plugged, not expanded." . @hjta.
Loophole that paves the way for tax hikes should be plugged, not expanded
Lawmakers should reject SB 512 and instead clarify that all special taxes, however they reach the ballot, still need two-thirds support.
www.ocregister.com
They might not get away with it. Follow @hjta to get the latest in what we are doing to close the loopholes and protect taxpayers. "Opinion: Transit bailout backers using loophole to get new tax passed." @paloaltodailypost. https://padailypost.com/2025/07/28/opinion-transit-bailout-backers-using-loophole-to-get-new-tax-passed/
After being hammered by studies, CA agencies, and the feds, you'd think High Speed Rail advocates would give up. But no, now they want local taxes. "Taxpayers beware: Sacramento is scheming to raise taxes to fund the bullet train." @hjta. @ocregister.
Taxpayers beware: Sacramento is scheming to raise taxes to fund the bullet train
It’s time for HSR sycophants to throw in the towel and start spending our limited tax dollars on projects whic...
www.ocregister.com
AB 699 needs to die. "Borenstein: In California, it’s Democrats trying to undermine election integrity." . @hjta.
Borenstein: In California, it’s Democrats trying to undermine election integrity
Like Trump and MAGA, blue state legislators put their thumb on the scale. Shockingly, county registrars back the move.
www.mercurynews.com
As if more proof is needed. The Milei ‘Miracle’ Is a Vindication of Free Markets." @hjta.
The Milei ‘Miracle’ Is a Vindication of Free Markets | National Review
We hope the world is watching.
www.nationalreview.com
CA taxpayers can kiss that $750 million goodbye. No way it will ever be repaid. "State budget includes $750 million in loans to keep Bay Area transit agencies running while new tax sought." @hjta.
State budget includes $750 million in loans to keep Bay Area transit agencies running while new tax...
California Democrats won’t bail out Bay Area transit agencies this year, but they are offering a major loan.
www.mercurynews.com
Short answer? No. "Could this plan actually save California’s high-speed rail project?" @hjta. via @sfchronicle
Could this plan actually save California’s high-speed rail project?
High-speed rail has been dogged by cost overruns, construction delays and political fights since 1996, when California...
www.sfchronicle.com
On the eve of Fourth of July, this video from @TaxFoundation is a good reminder of why we are now a free nation. @hjta. Taxes and the American Revolution | TaxEDU via @YouTube
This is sad for many reasons. For one, these retirees have steady income that adds to CA's economy as well as producing tax revenue. "Military Retirees Are Fleeing California." @hjta.
Military Retirees Are Fleeing California
By Bob Smith, Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)
www.sbcurrent.com
It has been a constant battle between taxpayers and tax spenders since 1978. Unfortunately, CA courts are reflexively hostile to Proposition 13 and other reforms intended to protect taxpayer rights. But we'll keep fighting at @hjta.
The history of legal attacks on Proposition 13
On June 6th, 1978, California voters delivered a shock wave, not just in California, but throughout America.
www.ocregister.com
Enough with the "we need more revenue" nonsense. @hjta.
In order for democracy to survive, we need an educated citizenry. But California's education policies would, by all appearances, suggest that there is a concerted effort to keep students ignorant. Time for robust school choice. @hjta.
Newsom’s ed budget: high spending, low results - Capitol Weekly
OPINION - Despite a $12 billion budget deficit, Governor Gavin Newsom still proposes to spend more on the state’...
capitolweekly.net
Happy birthday, Prop. 13! Forty-seven never looked so good!
