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"The Taxpayer Deception Act will force deep cuts to fire services, parks, libraries, and all local services. We must reject this measure in November."- CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

<h3>The Local Taxpayer Deception Act Threatens Vital Public Services, Undermines the Democratic Process and Creates Chaos</h3><h4>The Local Taxpayer Deception Act takes away the rights of local voters by making it harder for voters to pass measures their communities need.</h4><h4>The Taxpayer Deception Act: </h4><ul><li>Cuts billions from local governments and forces cuts to safety net services. &nbsp;</li><li>Allows just one-third of voters to make local funding decisions and block ballot measures over the will of the majority. &nbsp;</li><li>Creates chaos, exacerbates the deficit and creates unbalanced budgets.</li></ul>

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Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@taxpayerdeceptionact.com">Info@TaxpayerDeceptionAct.com</a>Mailing Address: 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814Committee Information: Alliance for a Better California FPPC ID# Media Inquiries: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:press@taxpayerdeceptionact.com">Press@TaxpayerDeceptionAct.com</a>

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<h3>Are you passionate about fighting the Taxpayer Deception Act?</h3>We need your help! We are looking for individuals from across our broad and diverse coalition who can speak about this destructive measure to their family members, coworkers, local political clubs, parent-teacher associations and other community organizations about why our campaign is urging Californians to vote NO in November.Our first two online trainings will be in June: <ul><li>Thursday, June 6 - 5-8 pm</li><li>Saturday, June 8 - 9:30 am - 12:30 pm</li></ul>Sign up to join a training!

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Fresno, CA — City leaders joined labor icon Dolores Huerta, workers and community groups today calling on voters to reject the Taxpayer Deception Act.A few wealthy real estate developers and landlords spent $20 million to put the Taxpayer Deception Act on the November ballot in hopes of creating loopholes for themselves to avoid paying their fair share in taxes. Their measure is aimed at overturning two hundred and fifty voter-approved measures and school bonds throughout the state. This unfair and undemocratic trick will cut funding for critical public services including schools, disaster and emergency response, housing, homelessness prevention programs, and so much more."The wealthy corporations who put the Taxpayer Deception Act on the ballot couldn't possibly understand how important public services are to our safety as a city," said Fresno City Councilmember Luis Chavez. "This dangerous measure overturns programs that keep schools safe, laws that fight air pollution to reduce asthma and lung disease, and it will hurt working families by eliminating funding for paid family leave. I look forward to co-authoring and introducing a resolution officially adding Fresno to a list of hundreds of cities, counties, and special districts across California that oppose this.""The wealthy real estate corporations behind the Taxpayer Deception Act have a hidden agenda to hurt voters' rights," said Dolores Huerta, Labor Leader, President, Dolores Huerta Foundation. "They buried a retroactivity clause in the language, drafted to reject the will of the people -- canceling hundreds of laws and taking away our right to protect funding for schools, for emergency and disaster response, parks, libraries, and affordable housing. That's why I am proud to stand with the 600 labor unions, community organizations and local governments in opposing this deeply undemocratic and unfair initiative."If passed, the Taxpayer Deception Act’s retroactivity clause would overturn seven voter-approved initiatives and school bonds across Fresno County.&nbsp; <ul><li>Clovis will lose <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/files/sharedassets/county/v/1/county-clerk-registrar-of-voters/1_election-pages/old-elections/2022_11/70190-nov-2022-measure-b-eng.pdf">Measure B</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cityofclovis.com/measureb/">,</a> which allocates $500,000 towards emergency services, anti-gang &amp; anti-drug programs.&nbsp;</li><li>Kerman will lose <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/files/sharedassets/county/v/1/county-clerk-registrar-of-voters/1_election-pages/old-elections/2022_11/70198-nov-2022-measure-g-eng.pdf">Measure G</a>, which allocates $40,000 to keeping neighborhoods, parks, streets, and public areas safe and clean.&nbsp;</li><li>Mendota will lose <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/files/sharedassets/county/v/1/county-clerk-registrar-of-voters/1_election-pages/old-elections/2022_11/70200-nov-2022-measure-h-eng.pdf">Measure H,</a> nearly $500,000 allocated to essential city services including the improvement of public parks and roads.&nbsp; </li></ul>Bond Measure A, Measure D, Measure L, and Measure X would also be reversed – robbing four school districts in Fresno County of millions of dollars for repairs to leaky roofs, modernizing classrooms, upgrades to school fire systems and vocational training classrooms, fixing deteriorating gas lines and plumbing, removing mold and asbestos, improving drinking water and more.&nbsp; "This initiative minimizes our resident’s voice in determining how the city funds essential and critical investments in public safety and infrastructure today and into the future. It would continue to diminish local control.&nbsp; I am asking our residents to join us in voting against this measure to maintain their voice in our community," said Clovis Mayor Lynn Ashbeck.&nbsp; “Our County Department of Public Health is a lifeline for so many families in the Central Valley. We provide vaccines children need to go to school, and alert the public if an illness is spreading through the air or through food. But a handful of ultra-wealthy people who do not live in our community and do not know our struggles are threatening our community’s health just so they can avoid paying their fair share," said Alysia L. Bonner, Supervising Office Assistant II for the County of Fresno Dept. of Public Health. "That’s why the 40,000 members of SEIU Local 521 join teachers, firefighters and community leaders like Dolores Huerta to say vote NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act!" "Young people have been the deciding factor these past elections – and this November that will stay true! We are actively finding solutions and policies that can shape a better future for our families and communities,” said Anissa Andrade, PowerCA Action Member. “Young voters of color are ready to take our power back, stand up to sneaky billionaires and their political schemes. NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act and no more corporate scammers! WE can make a better Central Valley and California free of corporate greed." “Local voters deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard, but by canceling 250 voter approved local measures and school bonds, the Taxpayer Deception Act robs my community of that opportunity,” said Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez. “The Taxpayer Deception Act will cause real harm to the services our constituents want, from fixing potholes to 911 response times, to maintaining our progress on keeping our kids safe from gangs. Please vote no!”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “This initiative puts our transient occupancy tax (hotel bed tax), which the local voters approved in 2022, at risk and if approved would eliminate essential funding that we are directing towards public safety, parks and recreation and citywide maintenance to maintain Kerman’s high quality of life,” said John Jansons, Kerman City Manager. “We need California voters to see this for what it is, an attack on the quality of life and livability in our State and “the TaxPayer Deception Act” needs to be defeated.”

"The wealthy real estate corporations behind the Taxpayer Deception Act have a hidden agenda to hurt voters' rights," said Dolores Huerta, Labor Leader, President, Dolores Huerta Foundation. "They buried a retroactivity clause in the language, drafted to reject the will of the people -- canceling hundreds of laws and taking away our right to protect funding for schools, for emergency and disaster response, parks, libraries, and affordable housing.

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Fresno City Leaders, Labor and Community Groups Rally Against Destructive “Taxpayer Deception Act” S

Put your press release text hCalifornia Business Roundtable initiative steals voters’ power to determine local priorities, lets corporations evade accountability Latest poll showed overwhelming opposition from votersSacramento, CA – Today the Alliance for a Better California, League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Special Districts Association, California Alliance for Jobs and the Contract Cities Association joined together to announce strong opposition to the deceptive ballot measure sponsored by the California Business Roundtable (CBRT), the lobbying arm of the largest and wealthiest corporations in California.&nbsp;The coalition of public safety, education, labor, local government and infrastructure groups are vocalizing their opposition as the California Secretary of State’s office announced that the initiative has qualified for the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;“Educators, nurses and firefighters won’t allow extreme, irresponsible corporations to threaten our democracy - there’s just too much at stake, from the quality of our children’s education to the air they breathe,” said the Alliance for a Better California, an organization that includes SEIU California, the California Teachers’ Association, California Professional Firefighters, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Faculty Association, California Labor Federation and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.&nbsp;“This deceptive initiative eliminates corporate accountability for the damage they do to our environment, strips voters of the power to set funding priorities for our communities, and drains billions in funding from our schools, public safety, and homelessness response to name just a few. We are going to fight with everything we’ve got to protect our democracy and our children’s future,” the Alliance continued.“This is the third attempt by deep-pocketed special interest groups to advance an initiative that undermines the rights of local voters to decide what their communities need and jeopardizes the ability of local governments to deliver essential services,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “It was a bad idea in 2018, it was a bad idea again in 2022. And it will still be a bad idea in 2024.”“Counties continue to oppose this deceptive initiative because it undermines the abilities of voters and locally elected officials to provide critical services. This measure obliterates the constitutional authority of locally elected local governments to determine the right balance between revenue and the degree of local services needed by their communities,” said Graham Knaus, CEO, California State Association of Counties.“At this critical time in California’s history, our communities cannot afford to do even less than the status quo. Sadly, this initiative would lock us into a race-to-the-bottom. Overcoming challenges like drought, flooding, and wildfire will require all of us to work together and consider the real costs of undermining our future. When we think of the kind of communities we want to leave our children and grandchildren, we are not content to settle for the ‘minimum amount necessary’ and we are not willing to limit their voice at the ballot box,” said Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer, California Special Districts Association."The so-called Taxpayer Protection Act will damage our ability to fund and construct the infrastructure projects that support California's economy. Passage of this measure will mean less safe roads, more congestion and fewer family supporting jobs across the state,” said Michael Quigley, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs.“If passed, this measure could cause irreparable harm to a city’s ability to provide essential services to its residents. This measure is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said Marcel Rodarte, Executive Director, California Contract Cities Association.The CBRT measure would create major new loopholes that allow wealthy corporations to avoid paying their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities, while allowing corporations to evade enforcement when they violate environmental, health, safety, and other state and local laws. It would also significantly restrict the ability of local voters, local governments, and state elected officials to fund critical services like public schools, fire and emergency response, public health, parks, libraries, affordable housing, homeless and mental health services, and public infrastructure. Some of the state’s biggest corporations, developers, mega-landlords, and their political committees spent millions of dollars to put the deceptive and self-interested measure before voters.Steals power from voters&nbsp; The initiative would steal power away from voters, prohibiting local advisory measures where voters provide direction to politicians on how they want their local tax dollars spent. The measure would make it harder for voters to pass measures needed to fund local services and local infrastructure. It would also retroactively cancel measures already passed by voters, stripping voters of a say in local decisions.&nbsp; As <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-03-02/california-taxpayer-protection-and-government-accountability-act">Los Angeles Times columnist Michael Hiltzik explained</a>, “The so-called Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act is just one more example of how special interests love to claim that they’re getting government off the backs of the people, when their real goal is to saddle up themselves.” Eliminates corporate accountability The initiative claims to be about accountability while actually eliminating corporations’ accountability for impacts they have on local infrastructure or damage they do to our air, water, or environment.&nbsp; Threatens schools, vital services and disaster response The initiative would force cuts to public schools, fire and emergency response, law enforcement, public health, parks, libraries, affordable housing, services to support homeless residents, mental health services, and more. It would also reduce funding for critical infrastructure like streets and roads, public transportation, drinking water, new schools, sanitation, and utilities. During a time when our children are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, our state is experiencing a deluge of extreme weather disasters, and homeless residents are perishing on our streets, our communities cannot afford for these vital services to be eliminated. Strong Voter Opposition A statewide poll conducted last February found voters resoundingly rejected the measure, with 54% of voters opposed and only 25% in support. The remaining 21% were undecided.&nbsp;

Today the Alliance for a Better California, League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Special Districts Association, California Alliance for Jobs and the Contract Cities Association joined together to announce strong opposition to the deceptive ballot measure sponsored by the California Business Roundtable (CBRT), the lobbying arm of the largest and wealthiest corporations in California.&nbsp;

Coalition Vows to Protect Voters &amp; Vital Local Services from Deceptive Corporate Ballot Measure

Sacramento, CA – The California Supreme Court <a href="https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S281977.PDF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">released an opinion</a> on Thursday morning, ordering the Secretary of State to “refrain from taking any steps” that would place the Taxpayer Deception Act on the November ballot. Simply put: the state Supreme Court said a clear-as-crystal NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act.“We have argued from day one that the Taxpayer Deception Act is an illegal revision to the constitution funded by a handful of wealthy real-estate developers and landlords desperate to avoid paying their fair share,” said Jonathan Underland, Spokesperson for the NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act campaign. “The Supreme Court’s decision to take this dangerous initiative off the ballot avoids a host of catastrophic impacts, protecting billions of dollars for schools, access to reproductive healthcare, gun safety laws that keep students safe in classrooms, and paid family leave. We are grateful to Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for rising up to challenge this extremist, right-wing attack on taxpayers; and we are prepared to fight any future attempts by the California Business Roundtable to inflict their self-interested agenda on the people of this great state.”“No amount of funding from wealthy corporations will change the fact that the California Supreme Court decided the Taxpayer Deception Act is unconstitutional,” said Carolyn Coleman, Executive Director and CEO, League of California Cities. “It’s good news for cities and their residents that this dangerous initiative will not move forward this year, and local officials can now keep their focus on delivering vital local services.”“We commend the court for taking decisive action to protect Californians from unlawful changes to our state constitution that would have crippled essential government functions that our communities rely upon,” said Graham Knaus, CEO of the California State Association of Counties. “If passed, this retroactive measure would have cut off funding for the essential services provided by our counties, from public health and safety to emergency response and environmental protection, these services are foundational to the well-being of our communities. Moreover, the needs of our 58 counties are unique and CSAC strongly believes that local voters and elected leaders must have the right to self-govern by passing measures that meet the needs of their local communities on how their tax dollars should be spent.”“The California Supreme Court today took decisive action to preserve the rights of voters and to protect local control, as well as the State Constitution,” said Neil McCormick, CEO, California Special Districts Association. “By finding Initiative 1935 to be unconstitutional, the court clearly recognized this dangerous and illegal measure was in conflict with the principles of our democracy. This decisive action will protect communities from disruptions to essential services like water, sanitation, and fire protection, which would have been otherwise unavoidable under the draconian and retroactive provisions of the initiative.”“The California Supreme Court has ruled in favor of communities across the state that have spoken clearly: the Taxpayer Deception Act is unconstitutional, an extremist attack on voters’ rights, and a cynical attempt by a few wealthy real estate developers and landlords to avoid paying their fair share at the taxpayer’s expense,” said Sabrina Smith, CEO, California Calls. “Today’s decision protects access to reproductive health care, critical gun safety laws, and safety net services like paid family leave. Governor Newsom and legislative leaders were right to take on this fight, and we were proud to stand with them and 600+ local governments, labor organizations and community groups in strong opposition to this dangerous initiative.

Sacramento, CA – The California Supreme Court <a href="https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S281977.PDF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204)">released an opinion</a> on Thursday morning, ordering the Secretary of State to “refrain from taking any steps” that would place the Taxpayer Deception Act on the November ballot. Simply put: the state Supreme Court said a clear-as-crystal NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act.

Tax Payer Deception Act Pulled from November Ballot in State Supreme Court Ruling

Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood workers, Mayor Bass, fiscal experts and Los Angeles Area legislators are sounding the alarm over a devastating threat to Hollywood’s already-struggling film and television production industry, if a cynical measure backed by wealthy real-estate developers and landlords passes off the November ballot. The initiative’s proponents are misleading voters by calling their measure the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act; in reality, they have packed this initiative to the brim with deceptive language that releases them from their responsibility to pay their fair share at an immense cost to taxpayers and workers.“The Taxpayer Deception Act is a Republican attempt to turn back history and gut vital city services that help millions of Angelenos and have far reaching and dire consequences for Los Angeles’ signature entertainment industry,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “If the measure passes in November, production opportunities and hundreds of thousands of good-paying entertainment jobs may leave the state. It will be a devastating blow that our city, working Angelenos and their loved ones cannot afford. Together, we must vote no on this deceptive initiative.”More accurately referred to as the <a href="https://www.taxpayerdeceptionact.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); color: rgb(17, 85, 204)">Taxpayer Deception Act</a>, this dangerous measure contains a hidden retroactivity clause that would endanger vital city services and progress to California’s landmark Film &amp; TV Tax Credit – most recently passed as <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB132#99INT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); color: rgb(17, 85, 204)">Senate Bill 132</a> and which <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/03/california-film-incentives-program-generated-21-9-billion-in-economic-output-110000-jobs-and-7-7-billion-in-wages-over-5-years-1234981734/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); color: rgb(17, 85, 204)">generates tens of billions in economic output, keeps hundreds of thousands of jobs in California associated with billions in wages</a> – could fall under this umbrella.&nbsp;“This proposed ballot measure would tie the Legislature’s hands from creating or even renewing targeted tax credits like the film tax credit that encourage economic activity in California,” said Keely Bosler, former California Department of Finance Director. “This harmful measure profoundly impacts the state's ability to maintain fiscal stability."“California’s film tax credit has repeatedly saved our members, casts and crews from extinction whenever the film and television industry faces turbulent times,” said Thom Davis, President of the California IATSE Local Council. “We will not allow a handful of wealthy developers and landlords to jeopardize the very program that is essential in keeping film and television workers employed with good jobs and good benefits. We are proudly and strongly opposed to the Taxpayer Deception Act.”“The passage of the Taxpayer Deception Act would be the death knell for the entertainment industry in California,” said Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Hawthorne), Chair of the L.A. County Legislative Delegation. “This cynical measure would overturn our state’s landmark film tax credit law, killing countless jobs by robbing the entertainment workforce of billions of dollars in wages. Defeating the Taxpayer Deception Act is about protecting workers; and on behalf of the LA Delegation we are committed to defeating this dangerous measure in November.”Background:<ul><li>California’s Film and TV Tax Credit incentivizes in-state film and TV productions by allowing eligible productions to reduce the amount they owe in sales taxes, personal income taxes, or corporate taxes. &nbsp;</li><li>S.B. 132 (2023) extended the program for another five years, and changed how the existing credit can be used to offset productions’ tax liabilities. <ul><li>The first 3.5 years of the current Film and TV Tax Credit are estimated to generate $7.3 billion in direct in-state spending, which includes more than $2.7 billion in qualified wage </li></ul></li><li>Language hidden within the Taxpayer Deception Act will nullify the Film &amp; TV Tax Credit (SB 132), putting countless jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at risk. Proponents buried a retroactivity clause deep within the measure, canceling certain laws passed after January 1, 2022.&nbsp; Legal experts say SB 132 could be nullified were the Taxpayer Deception Act to pass because the 2023 law adjusts how much eligible productions would receive through the Film Tax Credit.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Hollywood workers, Mayor Bass, fiscal experts and Los Angeles Area legislators are sounding the alarm over a devastating threat to Hollywood’s already-struggling film and television production industry, if a cynical measure backed by wealthy real-estate developers and landlords passes off the November ballot.

Taxpayer Deception Act Could Overturn Vital Film and TV Tax Credit

San Jose, CA — City leaders, firefighters, labor and community groups held a press conference today rallying against the Taxpayer Deception Act.A few wealthy real estate developers and landlords spent $20 million to put the Taxpayer Deception Act on the November ballot in hopes of creating loopholes for themselves to avoid paying their fair share in taxes. Their measure is aimed at overturning two hundred and fifty voter-approved measures throughout the state. This unfair and undemocratic trick will cut funding for critical public services including schools, disaster and emergency response, housing, homelessness prevention programs, and so much more.“Working people won’t be fooled. We know the truth: the Taxpayer Deception Act harms working families in the South Bay while lining the pockets of mega-landlords and real estate corporations, said Maria Noel Fernandez, Executive Director, Working Partnerships USA.&nbsp; “That’s why more than 600 organizations powered by working people, environmental advocates, local governments and community groups all say vote NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act”&nbsp; “Firefighters on the frontlines say NO to the Taxpayer Deception Act because it will jeopardize public safety response times,” said Corey Condren, Firefighter/Paramedic, San Jose Firefighters Local 230. “In Santa Clara County, voters went to the polls to support resources for 911 response and other critical safety measures so firefighters can stay ready for the next disaster. By canceling voter-approved measures, the Taxpayer Deception Act will make us less safe. Firefighters say ‘VOTE NO!’”&nbsp;“Local voters deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard, but by canceling 250 voter approved local measures and school bonds, the Taxpayer Deception Act robs us of that opportunity,” said San Jose City Councilmember David Cohen. “The Taxpayer Deception Act will cause real harm to the services our constituents want, from fixing potholes to 911 response times, to services for unhoused neighbors on our streets. Please vote no!”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Los Altos City Councilmember Neysa Fligor said, “Over a third of all cities have officially opposed the Taxpayer Deception Act because it will halt investments on priorities constituents expect us to deliver for them from parks and libraries, to keeping our roads safe. Don’t be fooled – this measure does real harm to the people we serve."“Maybe it does not matter to the wealthy real estate corporations who put this deceptive measure on the ballot, but working families in the South Bay do care about the quality of our parks and school facilities, expanding care to people who are homeless, and increasing public safety resources – that’s why we have voted to fund those priorities over the last few years,” said Jean Cohen, Executive Officer, South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council. “We won’t let corporations and mega-landlords take away our voice, which is why working people are saying no to the Taxpayer Deception Act"&nbsp;

“Working people won’t be fooled. We know the truth: the Taxpayer Deception Act harms working families in the South Bay while lining the pockets of mega-landlords and real estate corporations, said Maria Noel Fernandez, Executive Director, Working Partnerships USA.&nbsp;“That’s why more than 600 organizations powered by working people, environmental advocates, local governments and community groups all say vote NO on the Taxpayer Deception Act”

City Leaders, Firefighters, Labor and Community Groups Rally Against Destructive “Taxpayer Deception

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Sacramento Press Conference

Please join our coalition of nurses, firefighters, educators, labor, community organizations and local elected officials for a press conference in Sacramento highlighting the dangers of the Taxpayer Deception Act.

San Diego, CA – The California Democratic Party, representing 10 million Democratic voters across the state, this weekend endorsed a NO vote on the Taxpayer Deception Act – a dangerous initiative slated for the November ballot.Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party said, “The Taxpayer Deception Act is an undemocratic and unfair attack on California taxpayers, funded by a few extremely wealthy real estate developers and landlords who don’t want to pay their fair share. If this measure passes in November, it will rob voters of their right to fund critical public services – forcing cuts to schools, emergency and disaster response, homelessness prevention, and parks; and will gut funding for working peoples’ priorities like&nbsp; paid family leave. The California Democratic Party is proud to oppose this cynical initiative, and we urge Californians to vote NO in November.”The Taxpayer Deception Act is a deceptive trick by a few wealthy real estate developers and landlords to avoid paying their fair share in taxes, which will drive deep cuts to critical services and infrastructure – forcing taxpayers to shoulder additional&nbsp;costs.&nbsp;

The California Democratic Party, representing 10 million Democratic voters across the state, this weekend endorsed a NO vote on the Taxpayer Deception Act – a dangerous initiative slated for the November ballot. Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party said, “The Taxpayer Deception Act is an undemocratic and unfair attack on California taxpayers, funded by a few extremely wealthy real estate developers and landlords who don’t want to pay their fair share.

California Democratic Party Sounds the Alarm on Dangerous&nbsp;“Taxpayer Deception Act;” Urges NO Vote on

Sacramento, CA – The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), the largest teachers’ retirement system in the nation and the nation’s second largest pension fund, voted on Thursday to oppose the Taxpayer Deception Act, an initiative placed on the ballot by wealthy real estate developers and landlords through the California Business Roundtable (CBRT) and the California Business Properties Association. This comes just weeks after CalPERS, the nation’s largest pension fund, also <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.taxpayerdeceptionact.com/news?id=12d81640-4aa7-49be-ad87-2fe316a4b03b">took an official position against the initiative.&nbsp;</a>CalSTRS Board Chair and California Teachers Association board member Denise Bradford said, “This measure will undermine the retirement security of CalSTRS members by making it harder for voters to pass local measures that keep our local school buildings safe and updated and, it will have a devastating impact on our past, current and former teachers. Further, it will make it impossible for California to continue attracting the best teachers in the country to educate our children, leaving generations of students at a loss. As a K-12 teacher for more than 30 years, I know how important it is for voters to be able to fund local schools – and for teachers to be able to retire with dignity.”CalSTRS board member Sharon Hendricks said, “The Taxpayer Deception Act is a dangerous measure that threatens funding for California schools, and will make it more difficult for students and educators to thrive. The measure also jeopardizes pensions for hundreds of thousands of school employees who have poured their lives and careers into ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to succeed.”Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer and CalSTRS Board member said, “This Act could pull the rug out from underneath millions of public servants, who have worked their whole lives to retire with dignity; and put public employee pension systems, such as CalSTRS, at risk.”CalSTRS board member and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said, “The Taxpayer Deception Act was placed on the ballot by the same corporate real estate developers and landlords who benefit from millions in CalSTRS investments, and threatens to defund retirement security for hundreds of thousands of teachers across the state. If this cynical measure passes, it will further harm teachers by forcing deep cuts to public schools that could increase class sizes and make it harder for students to get the help they need.”

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System, the largest teachers’ retirement system in the nation and the nation’s second largest pension fund, voted on Thursday to oppose the Taxpayer Deception Act,an initiative placed on the ballot by wealthy real estate developers and landlords through the California Business Roundtable and the California Business Properties Association.

CalSTRS Board Opposes Taxpayer Deception Act&nbsp;

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders signed an open letter to the California Business Roundtable’s corporate board members, leaders and funders, demanding they remove their support and oppose this dangerous measure.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/654a36c2-84d3-4d39-857c-ece327df7c73/a8a7be99-7c9f-4a32-95fd-36cb6f35dedb/30abf527-3382-4c0e-a756-5e79ae1decb6.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1904%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders signed an open letter to the California Business Roundtable’s corporate board members, leaders and funders, demanding they remove their support and oppose this dangerous measure.

Open letter to the California Business Roundtable

Sacramento, CA – The California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) Board officially voted on Wednesday to oppose the Taxpayer Deception Act, a misguided ballot measure placed on the November 2024 ballot by corporations and big real estate companies through the California Business Roundtable (CBRT) and California Business Properties Association.&nbsp;Under the guise of reform, the Taxpayer Deception Act limits the ability for voters and state and local governments to fund services by making it harder to raise revenue and pass future ballot measures. It’s also retroactive to January 1, 2022, invalidating more than 100 ballot measures and new laws. By gutting state and local government budgets, the measure threatens the&nbsp; guarantee of a dignified retirement and healthcare security for millions of Californians who dedicated their lives to public service.&nbsp;CalPERS’ clear opposition to this initiative comes as a major blow to the California Business Roundtable (CBRT), whose member corporations benefit from a healthy chunk of the pension fund’s investments: nearly $12 billion. CBRT is made up of some two-dozen powerful corporations and multi-billion-dollar real estate interests in which CalPERS invests retirees’ life savings, these include Blackstone, Kilroy Realty, Hudson Pacific Properties, PepsiCo, Chevron, and Wells Fargo.&nbsp;“It’s shocking and appalling that the same multi-billion-dollar real estate interests seeking to invest CalPERS members’ money are trying to defund those same members’ pensions,” said Theresa Taylor, CalPERS Board President. “As a CalPERS Board member and member of SEIU Local 1000, my life’s work is to protect retirement security for state and local government workers.”&nbsp;“No one who has dedicated their lives to public service should be worried about being able to retire in dignity, but that’s exactly the situation the Taxpayer Deception Act would create by putting the hard-earned retirement dollars of firefighters and nurses at risk,”&nbsp; said David Miller, Chair, CalPERS Investment Committee. “Additionally, the measure would eviscerate funding for schools, crippling access to quality education for generations to come and threatening every opportunity our kids have to succeed.”&nbsp;“The Taxpayer Deception Act could pull the rug out from underneath millions of public servants who have worked their whole lives to retire with dignity,” said Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer and CalPERS Board member. “This measure’s cynical attack on California would come at a cost workers can’t afford to pay.”&nbsp;“Having worked in education for many years, I know firsthand how much Public School Employees count on a secure retirement through their golden years,” said Kevin Palkki, CalPERS Board member. “Not only does the Taxpayer Deception Act threaten state and local government funding for emergency response and badly needed social safety net programs to address homelessness — it puts millions of public servants at risk of a well-deserved retirement.”&nbsp;“The Taxpayer Deception Act would rob the same workers who power California’s biggest economies and world-class cities of a chance to enjoy their golden years with dignity,” said Ramón Rubalcava, Chair, CalPERS Health and Benefits Committee. “A strong public retirement system is a promise California has kept for generations, but this reckless measure puts the futures of countless hardworking people at risk. It’s just wrong for California.”&nbsp;“The Taxpayer Deception Act invalidates more than 100 ballot measures and new laws already passed by voters, devastating local and state government funding for everything from paid family leave to emergency response to homelessness services,” said Yvonne Walker, CalPERS Board member. “Every single Californian will feel the aftershock of this disastrous ballot measure.”&nbsp;“A serious threat to pension and retirement funds at the state and local level will be on the November ballot, in the form of the Taxpayer Deception Act,” said Mulissa Willette, CalPERS Board Member. “As written, this careless initiative jeopardizes our ability to meet pension obligations – breaking the promise of a dignified retirement and badly-needed healthcare benefits for millions of current and future retirees.”

The California Public Employee Retirement System Board officially voted on Wednesday to oppose the Taxpayer Deception Act, a misguided ballot measure placed on the November 2024 ballot by corporations and big real estate companies through the California Business Roundtable (CBRT) and California Business Properties Association.

CalPERS, Nation’s Largest Pension Fund, Officially Opposes “Reckless” Taxpayer Deception Act&nbsp;

Democrats &amp; Republicans United in Strong Bipartisan Opposition with 63% of Voters saying NO to Dangerous Anti-Taxpayer InitiativeSacramento, CA –&nbsp;A new poll released Thursday night by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows a strong majority of likely voters (63%) opposed to the Taxpayer Deception Act, a November 2024 ballot measure funded by wealthy real estate developers and landlords. Californians are united in bipartisan opposition to this dangerous initiative, including a majority of Democrats, a majority of Republicans, and a majority of independents.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting this extreme initiative that helps a few wealthy real estate developers and landlords avoid paying their fair share, but hurts everyone else,”&nbsp;said Jonathan Underland, spokesperson for NO on Taxpayer Deception Act campaign.&nbsp;“Californians see straight through the deceit peddled by the California Business Roundtable, and are unwilling to support a measure that would dismantle our entertainment industry, taking thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth along with it.”From PPIC’s poll, which includes the circulating Title and Summary for the Taxpayer Deception Act:&nbsp;Question 20.&nbsp;[likely voters only]&nbsp;A November eligible statewide ballot measure is titled, “Limits Ability of Voters and State and Local Governments to Raise Revenues for Government Services. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.” For new and increased taxes currently enacted by two-thirds vote of legislature, also requires statewide election and majority voter approval. Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by raising vote requirement to two-thirds. Eliminates voters’ ability to advise how to spend revenues from proposed general tax on the same ballot as proposed tax. Expands definition of taxes to include certain regulatory fees, broadening application of tax approval requirements. Requires legislature or local governing body to set certain other fees. Summary of estimate of fiscal impact: lower annual state and local revenues. If the election were held today, would you vote yes or no?&nbsp;32% yes 63% NO 5% don’t know

A new poll released Thursday night by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows a strong majority of likely voters (63%) opposed to the Taxpayer Deception Act, a November 2024 ballot measure funded by wealthy real estate developers and landlords

NEW PPIC POLL: Taxpayer Deception Act a Poison Pill Voters Won’t Stomach

Mayor Karen Bass Thursday urged residents not to be misled and to vote “no” on a state ballot measure in November that aims to change state and local government rules for imposing taxes, fees and other charges.The state ballot measure known as the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” has qualified for the November 2024 ballot, state official announced earlier this year. It was proposed by the California Business Roundtable, the California Business Properties Association and th

Mayor Bass and Labor Leaders Urge Angelenos to Vote “No” on Taxpayer Protection and Government...

Measure Limits Voter Rights, Puts Schools, Emergency &amp; Disaster Response, Homelessness Services at RiskSacramento, CA – Counties, cities, special districts, labor groups and community organizations representing millions of Californians across the state are calling out the California Business Roundtable’s deceptively titled “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act,” slated for the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp; Under the guise of reform, the measure – more accurately described as the Taxpayer Deception Act – limits the ability for voters and state and local governments to fund services by making it harder to raise revenue and pass future ballot measures. It is also retroactive to January 1, 2022, invalidating more than 100 voter-approved ballot measures and new laws.&nbsp;“California’s counties are strongly opposed to this dangerous initiative, which will jeopardize the core services our communities rely upon,” said Graham Knaus, Chief Executive Officer, California State Association of Counties. “Funded by a handful of corporate special interests, the measure would undermine voter rights by invalidating measures passed by local voters, imperil core government services for decades, and lead to endless lawsuits that will cost taxpayers.” “The Taxpayer Deception Act would be a devastating blow to California workers,” Executive Officer, Jay Bradshaw of the Nor Cal Carpenters Union. “Not only would it crater local and state budgets for the upkeep and construction of our roads, freeways and bridges – it would rob hundreds of thousands of workers of the good-paying jobs that keep a roof over their head and keep our economy strong. It will also put-up roadblocks to delivering the housing that all of our communities desperately need. Voters should not be fooled by this deceptive measure, and we urge Californians to vote NO in November.” “Working Californians are already struggling to make ends meet when paying their rent, at the gas pumps, or buying groceries. The disturbing truth about the reckless Taxpayer Deception Act is that it leaves these struggling Californians without access to critical safety net services including paid family leave, and access to housing that is affordable,” said Sabrina Smith, CEO, California Calls. “By retroactively nullifying more than 130 voter-approved laws, this measure unwinds decades of progress California has made towards equity, opportunity and prosperity for all – which is why each of our 31 grassroots, community based organizations across the state stand together in proud opposition.” “This dangerous initiative funded by wealthy corporations essentially means 'lights out at city hall' for our cities,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Preventing and reducing homelessness, planning for more housing, picking up the trash, paving streets and roads, and guaranteeing that someone will be there when you dial 911 — this is what’s at stake for residents if this measure passes.”"Initiative 1935, the ‘Taxpayer Deception Act,’ is irresponsible and unconstitutional,” said Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer, California Special Districts Association. “It retroactively invalidates decisions our communities have already approved, stops critical infrastructure projects in their tracks, and threatens the health, safety, and well-being of hardworking families. Local leaders representing communities of all sizes throughout the state stand united against this corporate attack on voters, and its threat to the water, fire protection, healthcare, sanitation, parks and other fundamental local services people need."The Taxpayer Deception Act was placed on the ballot by the California Business Roundtable and California Business Properties Association and is primarily funded by multi-billion-dollar real estate interests and landlords who want to overturn the will of the voters to avoid paying their fair share. &nbsp;THE TAXPAYER DECEPTION ACT THREATENS VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES, UNDERMINES THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS &amp; CREATES CHAOS BY:<ul><li>Cutting billions from state and local governments and forcing cuts to safety net services.</li><li>Overturning funding for paid family leave, disability insurance, gun violence prevention, and climate programs.</li><li>Threatening the safety of roads, freeways, and bridges by permanently eliminating billions in road repair and infrastructure funding.</li><li>Allowing just 1/3 of voters to make local funding decisions and block ballot measures over the will of the majority.</li><li>Exacerbating deficits and worsening unbalanced budgets.</li></ul>

Counties, cities, special districts, labor groups and community organizations representing millions of Californians across the state are calling out the California Business Roundtable’s deceptively titled “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act,” slated for the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;

Broad Coalition Representing Millions Sounds the Alarm on Dangerous Taxpayer Deception

Limits Voters' Rights,  Cuts Essential Services

THE LOCAL TAXPAYER DECEPTION ACT:

DANGEROUS FOR CALIFORNIA

Attacks Voters' Rights

Cuts Billions from Local Services

Allows Big Real Estate to Avoid their Fair share