Which Way, L.A.?
Voters May Change, but Prop 13 Remains the Same
Proposition 13 cut property taxes 32 years ago and most of today's voters don't remember the moment or know the details. But Prop 13 is still called the "third rail" of California politics, and any official who proposes a change risks being thrown out of office. Why has it had so much influence for so long? Is there any prospect for change? Also, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst says the Governor's budget is a "good starting point." On our rebroadcast of To the Point, mental illness and the threat of violence.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenProposition 13 cut property taxes 32 years ago, and most of today's voters don't remember the moment or know the details. Because it depends on increased housing prices, it's partly responsible for today's fiscal crisis, and it makes new home-buyers subsidize older ones. But Prop 13 is still called the "third rail" of California politics, and any official who proposes a change risks being thrown out of office. Why has it had so much influence for so long? Is there any prospect for change? Also, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst says the Governor's budget is a "good starting point." On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, mentally ill people may threaten violence. Most never come through. But should laws protecting their privacy and their freedom be changed, just in case? Would that mean treating sick people like criminals before they've done anything wrong?
Banner image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesLegislative Analyst Gives an Overview of Governor's Budget
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst, Mack Taylor, says California needs bold ideas to resolve its $25 billion funding gap. While he says Governor Brown's proposals for $12 billion in cuts and $12 billion in extended tax increases is a " good starting point ," he also says there are "significant risks."
Read the story7 minVoters May Change, but Prop 13 Remains the Same
Today's electorate is very different from the one that passed Proposition 13 in 1978. But even though the voters have changed, it's still called the "third rail" of state politics, the one that means political death to any politician foolish enough to touch it.
Read the story19 minMental Illness and the Threat of Violence in America
During five disruptions in classrooms and libraries, Jared Loughner frightened teachers and classmates at Pima College. Police were used to deliver a letter telling him he couldn't come back unless he got "mental health clearance" indicating he was not "a danger to himself or others."
Read the story26 min