Asm. Republican Leader James Gallagher (R–Yuba City) filed an amicus brief earlier this week with the California Supreme Court over a lawsuit brought by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats to keep the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act from the November ballot.
The backstory: The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act makes it so voters have to give their approval on future taxes and fees imposed by state and local governments.
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- Newsom and Legislative Democratic leaders petitioned the California Supreme Court last September to remove it from the ballot before November, arguing that it would make it more difficult for state and local governments to pay for public services.
The big picture: The California Farm Bureau Federation and former Democratic Legislators Don Perata and Joe Coto joined Gallagher on the brief.
- They argue that the measure builds on the foundation created by Proposition 13 and other voter-approved taxpayer rights ballot measures that have been upheld by the court.
- The lawsuit must be decided by June 27, which is the last day it can be placed on the November ballot.
What they’re saying: “In a stunning attempt to undermine California voters’ authority, the governor and Legislative leaders are taking the near unprecedented action of using the courts to stop Californians from deciding a ballot measure,” Gallagher said. “The governor often claims to be a champion of democracy, yet he is afraid of letting voters decide whether they deserve commonsense protections on how California spends their money. This amicus brief is a way to give a voice to the millions of Californians who want a greater say in how they are taxed.”
