Inland Empire Division unites to oppose the ‘Taxpayer Deception Act'

By Laura Varela, regional public affairs manager (Inland Empire)

The entire Cal Cities Inland Empire Division now formally opposes the "Taxpayer Protection and Accountability Act" - or what opponents are calling the Taxpayer Deception Act.

"This measure jeopardizes vital services that cities provide to our local residents," said Lynne Kennedy, Rancho Cucamonga mayor pro tem and Cal Cities first vice president. "It could force cuts to fire and emergency response, law enforcement, parks, libraries and services to support homeless residents, mental health services and more."

So far, over 220 cities have formally opposed the November initiative, including all 15 cities in the Inland Empire Division.

In Ontario, residents approved Measure Q in November 2022. It went into effect in April 2023 and generates about $95 million annually for the city. Ontario uses that funding for public safety, infrastructure improvements, and parks. Voters approved the measure with a 53% majority.

The vagueness of the November initiative makes it unclear if Measure Q could be sent back to the voters.

Under the 2024 ballot measure, local special taxes passed since Jan. 1, 2022, would need to pass by a two-thirds majority. If they did not, they would become void unless they are reenacted or readopted in compliance with the new rules within 12 months of the measure going into effect.

South of Ontario in Chino, Mayor Eunice Ulloa says her community counts on tax measures to help fund local services and maintain a good quality of life for residents. She calls the Taxpayer Deception Act "shameful and dangerous."

"Far from protecting taxpayers, it attacks voters' rights by retroactively canceling measures recently passed by voters and preventing voters from passing advisory measures that provide direction on how they want their local tax dollars spent," Ulloa said.

The California Business Roundtable is sponsoring the initiative. "This is a sneaky attempt by a statewide association to make it more difficult for residents to make decisions for their communities," Ulloa said. "Why is the California Business Roundtable trying to undermine local voters?"

The measure would make it more difficult for cities to raise revenue for public services. It could also impact special districts, counties, the state, and other public service providers. It is currently scheduled for the November 2024 ballot.

The following cities are in the Inland Empire Division: Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, and Yucaipa.

Paid for by Protecting Local Democracy and Vital Services, a Committee Opposed to Initiative 1935 Sponsored by the League of California Cities. Committee's Top Funder: League of California Cities

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