Poor Grade by HJTA

Once again, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association gave your representatives (and mine) a failing grade.

Last fall, Assemblyman Chris Holden, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman and Senator Anthony Portantino voted for Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 (ACA1), described by HJTA as “a direct attack on Proposition 13” (passed in 1978). If approved by voters in March, the measure would lower the threshold for property taxes from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority.

Laura Friedman believes that you can afford to pay higher taxes if you own property (or more rent if you don’t). Not surprising from a legislator who voted for Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), which forced employers to reclassify independent contractors as employees and, in effect, reduce the opportunities for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Like his Democratic colleagues, Chris Holden claims that Proposition 13 has effectively “starved” the government for tax revenue. Translation: tax dollars to shovel into money pits like affordable (subsidized) housing, health care for illegal immigrants, high-speed rail and (if Democrats ever get their way) reparations for slavery.

Funny how that $95 billion budget surplus in 2022 dissolved into a $68 billion deficit in 2024.

Happy New Year from your friends Chris, Laura and Tony!

Les Hammer
Pasadena