Kudos to everyone who gathered signatures for Schools & Communities First!

On Apr. 2, the Schools & Communities First! massive coalition of civic organizations, community activists, faith-based groups and labor unions led by California Calls, the League of Women Voters of California and PICO California announced the collection of 1.7 million signatures in support of a state measure on the Nov. 2020 ballot to make tax assessment of large commercial properties market-based to benefit schools and local communities. “This unprecedented number of signatures qualifying a state ballot measure is a great tribute to grass roots efforts across California, including those by LWVBAE members and supporters!” emphasized LWVBAE Prop. 13 Team Leader Elise Mills.

The newly qualified version of the SCF measure will replace and increase the appeal of the original version with new provisions 1) for small businesses, 2) for every school district in the state and 3) for county assessors tasked with the measure’s implementation. Like the old version, however, the new version will not affect homeowners or renters. Given the current uncertainty about eventual costs resulting from COVID-19, fixing the state tax code for greater fairness and revenue for schools and communities is more important than ever.

This milestone brings us that much closer to our final goal – to level the playing field for all businesses that already pay their fair share and reclaim $12 billion per year for our K-12 schools, community colleges and local communities. Spread the word!

Volunteers eager to help pass the Schools & Communities First! measure in November are urged to contact Team Leaders Pat and Elise and/or attend Prop. 13 Team meetings on the third Saturday of each month at 10 am, virtually for the time being!