Issue:
Lawsuit Filed to Delete False Claims in Proponents’ Ballot Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2020
CONTACT: Michael Bustamante (916) 425-0839 michael@calstrat.com
Matt Klink (310) 283-6267 mattk@calstrat.com
OPPONENTS OF PROP 15, THE LARGEST PROPERTY TAX INCREASE IN CALIFORNIA HISTORY, SEEK COURT ORDER TO DELETE FALSE CLAIMS IN PROPONENTS’ BALLOT STATEMENTS
Numerous “Wildly Dubious Claims” Cited in Court Filing by Prop 15 Opponents
SACRAMENTO, CA – Citing numerous “wildly dubious claims,” opponents of Prop 15, the largest property tax increase in California history, filed suit today in Sacramento County Superior Court seeking a Writ of Mandate by the court to amend or delete a number of factually incorrect or misleading statements that the measure’s proponents included in their ballot argument and rebuttal. Proponent statements alleging Prop 15 “exempts all residential properties,” “cuts taxes for small businesses” and “gives local communities desperately needed resources” were specifically cited as inaccurate in the lawsuit.
“Voters have a right to know that Prop 15 will not retain full Prop 13 protection for all homeowners, that there is no small business exemption in Prop 15 and it will not cut taxes for most small businesses, which is why we have asked the courts to delete a number of claims that will mislead the public,” said president and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Julian Canete, the Petitioner who filed suit against Prop 15 proponents. “Prop 15 is the largest property tax increase in state history and voters deserve to know exactly what they’re voting for and who will pay for the increased costs. The courts have ruled repeatedly that the ballot pamphlet cannot be used as a vehicle to communicate false or misleading facts to voters, which is why we ask the court to hold proponents to a basic standard of accuracy and honesty in their statements to voters.”
In addition to falsely claiming that Prop 15 will cut taxes for small businesses, the proponents falsely claim that Prop 15 will give “local communities desperately needed resources.” However, according to California’s independent Legislative Analyst’s Office review of Prop 15, “Not all governments would be guaranteed new money. Some in rural areas may end up losing money because of lower taxes on business equipment.” In its written report and testimony to the Legislature earlier this year, the California Assessors’ Association explained that a number of counties, as many as 21 according to some experts, could be net “losers” unless Prop 15 is defeated.
To read the full Petition for Writ of Mandate click here. ###
ABOUT NO ON PROP 15 – STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES AND SAVE PROP 13 No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13, a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a splitroll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.NOonProp15.org.
Paid for by No on Prop 15 – Stop Higher Property Taxes and Save Prop 13 – a coalition of California homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses. Committee major funding from Paramount Group, Boston Properties, Long Point Development