On June 6th, 1978, nearly two-thirds of California's voters passed Proposition 13, reducing property taxes by about 57%.
Read Proposition 13 as it is enshrined in the California state constitution. Read the text of the initiative circulated to voters.  Read more >>

In perhaps one of the most brazen political moves in California history, Democrat leadership last week unveiled a budget proposal that would shred the California Constitution by raising billions of new taxes without the required two-thirds vote.

The tax hikes in the proposal would include a 2.5% surcharge on anyone paying personal income tax, an additional three quarters of one percent sales tax, an oil severance tax and replacement of current taxes on gas with even higher "fees."  Read more >>

Last week's prison deal brought cheers and plaudits from virtually all political corners in California. The Legislature, threatened by a federal court takeover of the state's prison system, averted the crisis -- it is hoped -- by enacting a comprehensive bill to deal with prison overcrowding and other corrections issues. Governor Schwarzenegger hailed the agreement as another example of how California can work in a post-partisan world.  Read more >>

There was a popular song a few years ago called, "Money for Nothing." While the tune was a satire on the vast amounts paid to successful rock stars, the title could just as easily apply to many voters' attitudes toward bonds.

As we approach the November election with over $41 billion in bonds on the statewide ballot, and additional billions being considered for local jurisdictions, now is a good time to brush up on the significance of bonds, their true costs, and how they are repaid.  Read more >>

Text of Proposition 13 as originally presented to the voters (June 1978)

PROPOSITION 13

THE AMENDMENT.

That Article XIII A is added to the Constitution to read:

Section 1.  Read more >>