The Howard Jarvis Podcast

Election Day and the Future of California's Taxpayers

The Howard Jarvis Podcast

Show Notes

As Californians head to the polls on this Election Day, the stakes are high for the state's taxpayers. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is sounding the alarm on several key issues that could have a significant impact on the state's finances and the wallets of its citizens. In this episode, the association's president, Jon Coupol, joins host Susan Shelley to discuss the importance of staying engaged in politics and the need for taxpayers to be informed about the measures on the ballot. The conversation touches on the proposed tax increases in Los Angeles and Contra Costa County, as well as the governor's race, which could have far-reaching implications for Proposition 13. The association is also advocating for the Local Taxpayer Protection Act to Save Prop 13, which aims to close a loophole that allows special interest groups to raise taxes without a two-thirds vote. With the polls open until 8 pm, it's not too late to make your voice heard. The episode also delves into the controversy surrounding the high-speed rail project, which has been plagued by cost overruns and questionable financial decisions. The association is calling out the governor's plan to tap into property tax revenue from local governments to fund the project, which they argue is a misuse of taxpayer dollars. As the election results come in, it's clear that the future of California's taxpayers hangs in the balance. Don't miss this important episode to learn more about the issues at stake and how you can make a difference. Join the conversation and stay informed about the measures on the ballot by visiting the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association website at HJTA.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from The Howard Jarvis Podcast

Oct 20, 2026

This episode of the Howard Jarvis Radio Show is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of California's tax landscape. The speaker, Susan Shelley, is joined by HJTA President Jon Coupal to discuss the importance of voting yes on Proposition 43, a measure that would restore the two-thirds vote requirement for local special taxes. Proposition 43 is a crucial step in protecting taxpayers from the courts' interpretation of the Constitution, which has allowed special interest groups to raise taxes with a simple majority vote. The speaker and John Kupal explain how this loophole has led to billions of dollars in unnecessary tax increases, and how Proposition 43 would close this loophole and ensure that local taxes are approved with a two-thirds vote. They also discuss the impact of Proposition 43 on the state's cost of living crisis, which is driving people out of California in record numbers. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding the ballot measures and not voting "no on everything." The speaker and Jon Coupal emphasize the need for voters to read their ballots carefully and make informed decisions, rather than blindly following recommendations. They also discuss the role of the judiciary in California, which has become increasingly hostile to taxpayers' rights. If you're concerned about the future of California's tax landscape and want to make your voice heard, tune in to this episode to learn more about Proposition 43 and how you can get involved. Visit the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association website at hjta.org to learn more about the ballot recommendations and get involved in the fight for taxpayers' rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 12, 2026

The battle for taxpayer rights in California is heating up, and this episode of the Howard Jarvis Radio Show is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of their wallet. Join Susan Shelley and HJTA President Jon Coupal as they break down the importance of voting yes on Proposition 43, the Local Taxpayer Protection Act, and explain why it's crucial to close the loophole that's allowing special interests to raise taxes without a two-thirds vote. This episode delves into the world of Proposition 43, a measure that would restore the two-thirds vote requirement for local special taxes, eliminating the loophole that's been exploited by special interests to raise taxes without accountability. The hosts discuss the implications of this loophole, which has led to the creation of "upland taxes" that have resulted in higher sales taxes and regressive taxation. They also touch on the billionaire tax, Proposition 40, and why it's a flawed measure that could have far-reaching consequences for taxpayers. The conversation also covers the importance of being informed and engaged in the electoral process, with the hosts emphasizing the need for taxpayers to take control of their own destiny and demand better governance from their elected officials. They discuss the need for transparency and accountability in government spending and the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their actions. Don't miss this episode of the Howard Jarvis Radio Show to learn more about the critical ballot measures on the November ballot and how they'll impact your wallet. Tune in to hear Susan and Jon's expert analysis and insights on Proposition 43 and the billionaire tax, and find out what you can do to make your voice heard in the fight for taxpayer rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 6, 2026

The battle for taxpayer rights is heating up in California. This episode of the Howard Jarvis Radio Show delves into the fight against Proposition 43, a measure that aims to make it harder to raise local taxes. The speaker, Susan Shelley, is joined by HJTA President Jon Coupal, who shares his insights on the importance of restoring the two-thirds vote for local special taxes. In this episode, Jon and Susan discuss the history of Proposition 13 and how the courts have weakened the two-thirds vote requirement over the years. They also talk about the impact of special taxes on Californians, including the rise of parcel taxes and the misuse of public funds for political advocacy. The conversation touches on the need for transparency and accountability in government spending and the importance of protecting taxpayer rights. The speaker highlights the issue of the Upland exemption, which allows local governments to bypass the two-thirds vote requirement for special taxes. They also discuss the case of the bullet train, which has been plagued by controversy and mismanagement. Jon shares his concerns about the project's impact on the state's finances and the environment. If you're a Californian concerned about the rising tax burden and the lack of transparency in government spending, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Jon and Susan's discussion on the importance of restoring the two-thirds vote and protecting taxpayer rights. Visit yeson43.com to learn more about Proposition 43 and how you can get involved in the fight for taxpayer protection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 28, 2026

This episode of the Howard Jarvis Radio Show is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of California's tax landscape. Join hosts Susan Shelley and Jon Coupal as they dive into the details of Proposition 43, a crucial initiative that aims to restore the two-thirds vote requirement for local special taxes. With the courts having carved a loophole that allows special interest groups to evade this crucial safeguard, Proposition 43 seeks to close this loophole and ensure that local taxes are subject to the same scrutiny as general taxes. In this episode, Susan and Jon discuss the importance of Proposition 43 and how it will impact California taxpayers. They also delve into the world of pension reform, discussing the recent veto of Assembly Bill 1383, which aimed to pad pensions for public employees. The hosts also touch on the Billionaire Tax Act, a new kind of tax that could have far-reaching consequences for California's economy. The conversation also covers the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association's efforts to protect Proposition 13 and the importance of voter ID in California. With the November election just around the corner, this episode is a timely reminder of the need for informed voters to make their voices heard. Don't miss this episode of the Howard Jarvis Radio Show to learn more about Proposition 43, pension reform, and the Billionaire Tax Act. Tune in to hear Susan and Jon's expert analysis and insights, and find out how you can get involved in the fight to protect California taxpayers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 22, 2026

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is fighting to protect California taxpayers from a loophole that's been exploited by special interests to raise taxes without a two-thirds vote. This episode delves into the world of Prop 43, a measure that aims to close this loophole and restore the original intent of Prop 13. Join Susan Shelley and Legislative Director Scott Kaufman as they discuss the intricacies of the ballot measure and its implications for California taxpayers. Prop 43 is a crucial measure that seeks to limit tax increases by requiring a two-thirds vote for local special taxes, regardless of how they're put on the ballot. The current loophole allows governments to use citizen initiatives to raise taxes without meeting the usual two-thirds requirement. This has led to a situation where taxpayers are being asked to foot the bill for services they may not even want or need. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is fighting to close this loophole and ensure that taxpayers have a say in how their money is spent. The conversation also touches on the importance of Prop 13 and the need to protect it from further erosion. The association is working tirelessly to educate voters about the ballot measures and the impact they'll have on their wallets. With the November election just around the corner, it's essential to stay informed and make your voice heard. Join the conversation and learn more about Prop 43 and its significance for California taxpayers. Listen to this episode to understand the issues at stake and how you can make a difference. Visit the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association website at hjta.org to learn more and get involved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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