Anti-Tax Initiative Threatens Public Funding in November Ballot
Backed by the real estate industry, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is working on putting forth a ballot measure in November. Framed as a grassroots movement, the “Save Proposition 13” Act is centered on mobilizing the local community by marketing the movement as one that is fighting to “protect” homeowners and small businesses. Supporters claim that Prop 13 is under threat from state legislators who want to raise property taxes and housing costs. However, this framing has worked to distract from the larger agenda in justifying low property tax rates for large corporations and commercial property owners who have exploited this loophole since 1978. Although it is important to protect homeowners and small businesses from skyrocketing property tax, it is also crucial that large corporations pay their fair share.
True reform and advocacy for local communities must make clear distinctions between individual protections for small businesses and homeowners from large commercial properties and corporations. Although the “Save Prop 13” movement advocates against reassessment of properties at market rates, it fails to acknowledge how corporations and commercial properties benefit much more significantly. After Prop 13 was initially passed over 48 years ago, we have only seen the debilitating impacts it has had on our education system and public services. Corporations have stripped $17 billion of funding every year for schools and communities, and have only fought harder against reform. It is crucial that Prop 13 be reformed as it will lead to the protection of small business and homeowners while also guaranteeing large corporations pay their fair share in order to fund and uplift our communities.
Save Prop 13 Campaign Turns in 1.35 Million Signatures — Headed for November 2026 Ballot
REFORM CALIFORNIA | February 26, 2026