The latest from the NO campaign

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.  “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” 

“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!’” 

“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!”   

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"