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
In this episode
3 storiesJerry Brown and Proposition 13
Governor Brown says next week's budget proposal will help meet his campaign promise to move government "closer to the people." He wants to reverse the effects of Proposition 13, which cut the property taxes cities and counties could raise and made them dependent on money from Sacramento. We hear from civic leaders and others.
Read the story20 minIs the Deal to Save the Hollywood Farmer’s Market in Trouble?
Last month, LA City Council President Eric Garcetti said a compromise had almost been reached between the Hollywood Farmers' Market and the LA Film School. The market draws some 8000 people every week, but blocks a parking lot the growing Film School says it needs to use on Sundays.
Read the story5 minThe New Congress, the Deficit and the Pentagon
In his farewell speech warning about the "military-industrial" complex, President (and former Army General) Dwight Eisenhower said that defense spending has to be weighed in the balance along with every other national program. The new House majority wants to cut $100 billion from next year's budget, but the Pentagon won't be subject to major…
Read the story26 min
