Vote No on Prop 43
Reading Oakland’s current budget situation, I can’t help but picture these financial struggles as a Catch-22.
Anti-tax groups grumble about inadequate public services, but then refuse to pass revenue measures that would make them better. They refute modest revenue measures needed to sustain basic services, but they also refuse to tax corporations and the wealthy to backfill these chronic deficits.
Oakland voters will consider a foreclosure transfer tax this November. Why? Because Measure E, a June parcel tax to fund public services, failed 46% to 54%. Parcel taxes have been necessary to backfill revenue for a long time. With these crucial parcel taxes often sitting so close to the pass rate (simple majority), what will we do if Proposition 43 passes in November? Proposition 43 would require a two-thirds vote for many local special taxes, making it more difficult for cities such as Oakland to approve future revenue measures
The same anti-tax groups backing Prop 43 talk a big game about championing everyday Californians who feel squeezed by the cost of living. In reality, they’re trying to slash the services that Californians rely on so corporations can get away without paying their fair share. No on 43.
By Olivia McHaney | SF Chronicle | July 26th, 2026
