To gather information on government activities, it can be helpful to make an official request for information using the California Public Records Act.

Below is a standard letter that can be adapted for your specific needs.  Read more >>

Warning to California Taxpayers

In the last few weeks, we have been informed of numerous instances of taxpayer funds being used for political purposes. In most cases, local school district resources are being used to support local bond measures.

OUTRIGHT ADVOCACY OF THIS NATURE IS ILLEGAL AND YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEMAND THAT SUCH ACTIVITY STOP!  Read more >>

[Printable version in PDF format.]

BACKGROUND

With limited exceptions, Proposition 13 prohibited local governments from increasing property tax rates in excess of 1% of the "full cash value" of a parcel. As a result, local governments cannot increase property tax rates to pay for operating expenses such as the salaries of personnel.  Read more >>

[Printable version in Microsoft Word or in PDF format.]

BACKGROUND  Read more >>

As part of the TRUE Project, HJTA has put together a do-it-yourself package to help citizens place an initiative measure on their municipal ballot. Included are tips on preparing initiative, the petitioning process, working with local officials and much more.

To view the package you must have Microsoft Word on your computer. To open it now, please click here.

For a list of jurisdictions imposing utility user taxes, click here.  Read more >>

Click here to download a PDF version of this information.

BACKGROUND

Californians have been paying sales taxes since 1933 when the total tax rate was just 2.50%. Sales tax rates have been steadily increasing ever since, with combined state and local sales tax rates beginning to approach 10% in some local jurisdictions.  Read more >>

For decades, Proposition 13 has been cast as the bane of cash-strapped local government, limiting property tax revenues even as California's housing market soared. But this week, as county assessors reported rising tax bases despite the housing slump, they credited the 30-year-old law -- revealing its unexpected role as an economic stabilizer.  Read more >>

For those who recently bought homes using sensible, conventional mortgages -- and who intend to remain in their homes -- there may be some good news in the midst of the housing slump. Because of Proposition 13, these properties likely qualify for a property tax reduction.  Read more >>

In recent weeks, Governor Schwarzenegger, legislative leaders and the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) have called for eliminating what they term "tax loopholes" to help close California's staggering $16 billion budget deficit. But one person's loophole is another person's legitimate advancement of public policy.  Read more >>

California faces a $14.5 billion budget deficit because the free-spending politicians in Sacramento have spent too much for too long. But instead of cutting wasteful spending in state government to pay down the deficit and balance the budget once and for all, the tax-and-spend majority in the Legislature wants to punish you and every California homeowner by repealing the state home mortgage interest deduction.  Read more >>