Yesterday, the California Legislature, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and a voter, John Burton, filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court of California seeking to remove the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” initiative from the November 2024 ballot.
The League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman issued the below statement:
“Cal Cities supports the Governor and Legislature in defending the fundamental governing structure and the foundational power of state and local governments by filing this petition requesting a pre-election review of the validity of the measure.
Cal Cities agrees that this review by the Court is warranted now given the measure’s far-reaching impact on local revenue streams and fiscal planning. This existential threat to government operations and the reliable functioning of California cities — the engines of our economy and home to 80% of the state’s population — cannot be overstated.
If this measure passes, it will upend and jeopardize City revenue streams needed to provide essential local services. Our residents expect and rely upon fire, police, and a wide range of other services — including shelter for those experiencing homelessness, safe streets and roads, the maintenance of playgrounds and sidewalks, and garbage removal. But with this measure, residents will get less.
Given what’s at stake, our cities deserve clarity sooner rather than later regarding the validity of this measure. That’s why Cal Cities will be filing an amicus letter with the California Supreme Court supporting the Legislature and the Governor’s request for a pre-election review of this dangerous measure.”
About Cal Cities
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed City officials.