The Senator Reports

June 12th, 2008

Proposition 13: Protecting California's taxpayers for the last 30 years
By Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad)

Last week marked the 30th anniversary of Proposition 13. This taxpayer protection limited property taxes to 1% of the assessed value and amended the state constitution to require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for statewide tax increases, making it tougher for liberal politicians to increase taxes whenever they please.

Prop. 13, the "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation," is a result of over-taxed Californians taking matters into their own hands when their Legislature did nothing to provide them with much needed property tax relief. Citizens developed an initiative that would protect taxpayers from lawmakers who, just like politicians today, were ready to raise taxes at the first sign of fiscal trouble. Thanks to Prop. 13, homeowners have saved tens of thousands of dollars.

The Legislature should take a cue from the actions of California taxpayers, who, 30 years ago, took serious, historic action to fight for fiscal responsibility.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

If you would like to get a message to Senator Mark Wyland, contact his San Diego County District office at:

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email:
senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov