SW Riverside News

California Senate Republicans have opposed two Assembly Constitutional Amendments, ACA 1 and ACA 13, which they argue threaten existing taxpayer protections. Proposition 13, a measure in place for over four decades, is designed to protect taxpayers from unexpected property tax increases and unchecked taxation.

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) expressed concern about the implications of ACA 13: “California is already too damn expensive,” he said. “ACA 13 would make it difficult, to nearly impossible, for Californians to impose new limits on taxation. This Legislature should not be attacking efforts that protect taxpayers and seek to reduce the cost of living burdens in our state."

Jones criticized ACA 13 as an attempt to undermine the initiative process and diminish voter influence by altering the citizen-led constitutional initiative process. He warned that this could weaken taxpayer protections established by past propositions like Prop 13.

Additionally, ACA 1 has been met with criticism for potentially reducing Prop 13 protections by granting local government officials increased authority to tax homes and businesses. Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) questioned claims that this would lead to more affordable housing: “When you increase the cost of building supplies and the taxes on the end product the word 'affordable' seems a stretch.”

Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) also voiced his opposition: “Far too many families can’t afford this state as it is,” he stated. He argued that transferring power from citizens to a one-party controlled Legislature regarding tax protections could lead to higher taxes and increased living costs.

The debate over these amendments highlights ongoing tensions between California lawmakers over fiscal policy and taxpayer rights.