Though utilities, not users, should be paying this tax, this maintains important resources to city services like parks, job training and more. These taxes are regressive, and if it were a new tax we’d oppose it as we do in other places. But with coming budget shortfalls, we shouldn’t be taking this current revenue stream off of the table. It extends the 3.25% tax paid by users of utilities for nine more years, providing the city with $2.75 million a year for city services.
It is possible to fully and reliably fund our cities, our emergency and safety-net services and the world where all our communities can
thrive. However, instead these resources are lining the pockets of millionaires, billionaires, and big corporations. That’s why we support fair, equitable taxes — for budgets that ensure our children will inherit quality public education and public goods, no matter what they look like or where they come from. Ultimately, we urge you to support California’s Proposition 15, which will reclaim $12 billion per year for schools and local community services from the wealthiest corporations.