If you are interested in forming a Political Action Committee, please follow the link listed below to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website for information on related regulations and legal requirements. You may also contact the FPPC directly by calling 1-866-ASK-FPPC.

Click here to visit the website.  Read more >>

Local Taxpayer Group
With California taxes at record highs and unjust tax proposals on the ballot, it's time for public action. You can act at the local level by forming a Local Taxpayer Group. Click below to see a handbook explaining in detail how to plan, organize and operate your own Local Taxpayer Group to most effectively challenge unjust legislation. You can fight City Hall and WIN!

Click here to view the Local Taxpayer Group Handbook.  Read more >>

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 an 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 >>

As a taxpayer, you can fight back and win against politicians and special interests who want to raise your taxes. Often the key to success is having a plan based on accurate information and knowing which techniques have brought victory to taxpayers in other communities. The following Taxpayer Action Tools can get you started in the right direction.  Read more >>

From the California Elections Code

SECTIONS 9500-9509

9500. Whenever a school measure qualifies for a place on the ballot, the county elections official shall transmit a copy of the measure to the county counsel or to the district attorney in any county that has no county counsel.  Read more >>