Professional Standards Committee Highlights - CA Supreme Court Blocks Anti-Tax Measure

On June 20, 2024, the California Supreme Court ruled the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act initiative backed by the California Business Roundtable cannot appear on the November ballot as the measure constituted a revision of the State Constitution. The measure would have required voter approval for almost any increase in state or local taxes and fees as well as changing the threshold for local tax initiatives introduced by citizens from a simple majority to a two-thirds vote. Over 250 California cities and governmental agencies passed resolutions opposing the measure, working with Cal Cities to mount an aggressive campaign to ensure the measure would be stopped. The CSMFO Board also was ready to support the campaign and had appropriated $50,000 in August 2023 to help defeat the measure. Had this measure made it to the November ballot and passed, it would have threatened the ability of many local governments to continue providing essential services to the public. This is a major win for governmental agencies in California.    

If you have questions regarding this topic, contact Donna K. Lee, Chair of the Professional Standards Committee at standards.chair@csmfo.org.

The Professional Standards Committee operates as a technical resource to CSMFO members. The Committee is comprised of municipal and commercial members whose mission is to keep members informed of emerging issues and best practices.