PFAR stands with C.A.R. in their opposition to ACA 13 (Ward), a proposal to change California’s state constitution. This change will significantly limit the ability of California’s voters to seek change through the initiative process by imposing a higher percentage of votes needed to approve state and local measures. The initiative process lets voters directly suggest and vote on new laws.

C.A.R. is against ACA 13 because it attempts to weaken Proposition 13, a rule that stops homeowners from paying too much in taxes. ACA 13 would apply more stringent measures on citizen-led initiatives, whereas any measures created by legislature would NOT be subject to the same requirements. 

 This creates an unfair advantage against voters seeking to reaffirm their values on various policy issues impacting homeowners and private citizens while giving legislature the upper hand. 

While, at first glance, this may seem like a reasonable approach, the consequences of ACA 13 could have disastrous effects across a spectrum of issues – including the ability of local citizens to address environmental or human rights and fair housing issues to making housing less affordable by undermining the protections found in Prop 13 – a measure that protects homeowners from over-taxation!

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HERE IS WHY C.A.R. DOES NOT LIKE ACA 13 

It could make buying and owning a home even more expensive by eroding Proposition 13 protections. 

ACA 13 seeks to undo protections enacted by Proposition 13 which established a 2/3 vote requirement for local governments increase various taxes on homeowners. The passage of ACA 13 will only make it more difficult for homeowners to protect their homes from unfair taxation. 

It will undermine the voice of California’s voters. 

The legislature shouldn’t be attempting to change the rules just to avoid an outcome with which it might disagree. 

ACA 13 will further keep working families from being able to purchase a home.

On August 15, KTLA reported that California’s housing affordability “hit a 16-year low in the second quarter of 2023.” Increasing property taxes will make it even more difficult for first-time buyers to leap from renting to homeownership. California’s growing diverse population continues to face uphill battles in buying a home and grow family savings, which is THE fundamental step needed to close the state’s wealth gap. 

PLEASE HELP DEFEAT ACA 13 

CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TODAY

Look for C.A.R.’s Red Alert email from realtorparty@car.org

With a subject line that says:

“RED ALERT: Protect Prop 13 and Voter Rights”