Proposition 13 turns 40, may face mid-life crisis

Proponents would pound on providing more money for schools, which, polling tells us, are the most popular thing that government does. That was the theme of two successful ballot measures that raised income taxes on the wealthiest Californians in 2012 and 2016, and in fact per pupil spending has increased by 66 percent in the last seven years. Opponents will raise the spectre of undoing Proposition 13, which has consistently enjoyed high voter approval in polling over the last 40 years, arguing that if commercial property is hit with tax increases, homes will be the next target. They also would point out that despite Proposition 13’s restrictions, property tax revenues have increased 12-fold since it was passed due to new construction and reassessment when properties change hands. Finally, they may also contend – with a factual basis – that the extra money wouldn’t mean better schools and local government services, but rather would shore up pension funds that face huge unfunded liabilities.