Our Mission

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and 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.

Through education and awareness, we strive to empower you, the taxpayer, to take control of your rights and influence the momentum of ballots and initiatives supportive of your rights.  Read more >>

As Proposition 13 reached its 30th anniversary on June 6th, there were no protests over high property taxes in the Golden State. Proposition 13 still has it opponents and critics, but in recent polls voters still support Prop 13 by the same two-to-one margin it passed by three decades ago.  Read more >>

A just-completed survey of California voters shows that, even after three decades, Proposition 13 enjoys overwhelming support.  Read more >>

INTRODUCTION

Howard Jarvis, the leader of California's most famous tax revolt, passed away in 1986. But in the spring and summer of 2007 his name continually popped up in newspaper articles across the United States. Property tax troubles were brewing throughout the country and Jarvis's prodigy, property tax-cutting Proposition 13, was remembered by beleaguered taxpayers as something to be emulated to protect against out-of-control levels of taxation.  Read more >>

As if there wasn't enough to wrangle over in the California Legislature, some lawmakers put other business aside recently to focus on a specific, emotional issue.  Read more >>

It has been 29 years since the passage of Proposition 13 and the whining by public officials continues. Somewhere, Howard Jarvis is chuckling.  Read more >>

Next week, our esteemed California Legislature will reconvene for the next session. What can taxpayers expect from this eclectic group of pols?  Read more >>

The big, moribund, downtown Los Angeles Newspaper is after Proposition 13 again.

Appropriately ensconced in a mausoleum-like building, the Times has become synonymous with a left-wing editorial policy and managed or tainted news.

The paper has besmirched its own reputation with policies that allowed a secret revenue sharing agreement between the Times and the Staples Center in the preparation of a 168-page magazine about the opening of the sports arena in 1999. When this story became public it angered readers and most Times reporters alike.  Read more >>

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Howard Jarvis who left us on April 27th. Estelle was far more than the spouse of one of America's greatest heroes. She had a deep well of strength in her own right and, as Howard traveled throughout the State of California in his successful efforts to save homeowners, Estelle was always at his side. They were a true team, dedicated to a cause in which they both believed with extraordinary conviction and passion.

After Howard died in 1986, Mrs. Jarvis remained an active member of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association Board of Directors. She proudly carried the banner of our organization and continued to meet with elected officials, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, at events where taxpayers gathered to advance the cause of freedom.

Proposition 7 (1982)

Proposition 7 in 1982 was intended to prohibit government from profiting from inflation at the expense of the taxpayer. During inflationary times, salaries that were raised merely to keep up with inflation — meaning no real income increase for the worker — forced people into higher tax brackets. Government got more taxes because of this inflation; taxpayers had smaller spending power. Howard Jarvis' Proposition 7 changed that. Proposition 7 allowed the tax brackets to increase with inflation so that taxpayers would be no worse off if they received a raise to match inflation.  Read more >>