California Initiative to Expand Prop 13 Homeowner Tax Benefits Eligible For November Ballot

The San Jose Mercury News reports:

Just as a ballot initiative that would dramatically expand Proposition 13 tax benefits for longtime homeowners was deemed eligible for the November ballot on Thursday, its proponents said they were negotiating with the Legislature on a compromise to avoid a bruising and costly initiative battle.

“We’re prepared to proceed,” said Christopher Carlisle, a lobbyist for the California Association of Realtors. “We’d just like to see if we can work out a deal with the Legislature where everyone goes home happy with much lower costs.”

The initiative would broaden the reach of a voter-approved, 1978 constitutional amendment that prevents a homeowner’s property taxes from increasing sharply, even as their homes double or triple in value. It would allow homeowners over 55 and those who are severely disabled to keep those lower tax obligations for life, regardless of where in California they move or how many times.

The struggles of special privilege seeking.