Which Way, L.A.?
State Deficits, Local Fears and the Return of Prop 13
Proposition 13 cut property taxes in 1978, and sparked a tax revolt nationwide. Jerry Brown was re-elected as Governor that year even though he opposed it. Now, beginning his third term, he blames the state's financial crisis on the way Prop 13 has been implemented since then. He doesn't want to raise property taxes, but does want government "closer to the people." Does that mean cities and counties will be stuck with services the state now provides, but without the money, or is it a measure of how deep Brown's budget cuts will be? Also, an update on the Hollywood Farmers' Market. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the new Congress, the deficit and the Pentagon.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenProposition 13 cut property taxes in 1978, and sparked a tax revolt nationwide. Jerry Brown was re-elected as Governor that year even though he opposed it. Now, beginning his third term, he blames the state's financial crisis on the way Prop 13 has been implemented for the past 32 years. He doesn't want to raise property taxes, but he does want government "closer to the people." Does that mean cities and counties will be stuck with services the state now provides, but without the money, or is it a measure of how deep Brown's budget cuts will be? Also, an update on the Hollywood Farmers' Market. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, the new House majority wants to reduce federal spending, and every commission on the deficit has called for cuts in the Pentagon. So, why are they off the table? How much could be saved without endangering national security?
Banner image: California state controller John Chiang (R) looks on as then-Governor-elect Jerry Brown speaks during a briefing on California's state budget on December 8, 2010 in Sacramento. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
