Time for change on Prop. 13

By Paul Reinhartz, Vallejo | 6/10/2015

It is time to support change regarding Proposition 13. Several groups are working for that change, being sure that homeowners are not affected and that only businesses that have been immune from reassessment are brought into line with others. Business must pay its share of Prop. 13.

People tend to fear any kind of change. Letters in opposition to eliminating Proposition 13 protection for businesses tap into that fear. They often state, “Your prices will go up.” But is it true?

The deterioration of this beautiful state began with Proposition 13. What has happened to our schools, libraries, roads and bridges, and social services? Why are our sales and state income taxes so high?

Right now, we are all suffering from the unfairness of Proposition 13 as applied to businesses. Other states regularly reassess business property taxes. It’s time for Disney and Chevron to pay more than their assessment made in 1975.

I encourage everyone to help make this change happen.