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"Politicians are elected to get things done and are prevented by the system from doing it, leading the people to grow even more disgusted with them." Exciting News: Overturning of Prop. 13 sought in lawsuit Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer Wednesday, December 28, 2011 Proposition 13, which revolutionized government financing in California by slashing property taxes and erecting new barriers to other state and local tax increases, was upheld by the state Supreme Court soon after it passed in 1978, seemingly ending all questions about its legality. But a team of lawyers headed by a former federal appeals court judge has sued to overturn a crucial provision of Prop. 13 - the requirement of a two-thirds legislative vote to raise state taxes.
Home PageGrassroots for Democracy is dedicated to restoring majority rule to the California Legislature by amending California’s Constitution to allow a simple majority of the Legislature to approve measures regarding revenue. Presently, a two-thirds vote of both houses is required. We believe that majority rule is a fundamental principle of democracy, and that it is a matter of fairness that each California voter is equally represented. Under the two-thirds requirement, the will of the majority of voters has been systematically frustrated. For years, California has suffered deadlock and has balanced budgets only by slashing important services and needed investments, cutting the standard of living for many and threatening California’s economic future. The excessive two-thirds requirement has become an impossible barrier, allowing a slim minority to stop any revenue measure needed to fund services supported by most Californians. It takes only 27 out of 80 Members of the Assembly OR 14 Senators out of 40 to block legislation which increases revenue. There is no end in sight to either gridlock or imposition of more detrimental cuts in services and investments as long as a one-third minority continues to block any reform of state revenues. An amendment to the California Constitution must be approved by a majority of voters in a statewide election. To be placed on a statewide ballot, a proposed amendment must be supported by about 700,000 valid petition signatures. Grassroots for Democracy believes if the electorate were fully informed, support would exist to amend the California Constitution to rescind the current two-thirds requirement. LinksEnd Minority Rule Kevin de Leon’s Op Ed in LA Times Poll Supporting Majority Rule by David Binder Research
Eye on Sacramento How to keep up with the latest status of the budget and other related issues by visiting relevant websites Background How 2/3 rule entered the California constitution as secondary issues on property tax measures and historical infomration on the California budget Negative Impacts of the 2/3 Requirement How over time tax breaks and voter initiatives, both of which constrain budget flexibility, left the legislature unable to respond to the interests of Californians resulting in deep cuts to education and other vital government services Benefits through Majority Rule How we can once again become the golden state by allowing the average California voter through the ballot box to decide what is important to fund Revenue Gold in California How corporate tax breaks have cost California billions of dollars over time and how revenue can be raised without affecting those who can’t afford to pay or creating an unfair tax burden on anyone Strategic Plan How we plan to achieve the goal of majority rule on raising revenue References How we plan to learn from others’ efforts at successful initiatives and that polls show Californians want a functional government Newsletter Archive How to access previous newsletters Join for Democracy How you can help either by adding your name to the growing list of supporters or become actively involved About Us How our group was formed Contact Us How to talk to someone about the cause
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