Wellstone Club's Next Meeting
Thursday, July 23 6:00pm
Humanist Hall
Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club Presents:
Assessor Phil Ting and UC Berkeley Linguist George Lakoff
“Reforming the California Budget and the Process for Change”
The Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club will present and discuss “Reforming the California Budget and the Process for Change” at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 23rd. The program begins at 7:30 PM following a potluck and business meeting at 6 PM.
The panel consists of San Francisco Assessor Recorder Phil Ting of “Close the Prop 13 Loophole”, www.closetheloophole.com, who states, "California cannot continue to mortgage the future to protect corporate tax loopholes for commercial properties” and proposes adopting a split-roll strategy so that corporate property taxes can increase while homeowners retain their low rates.
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Assessor Phil Ting |
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George Lakoff |
The panel also includes, UC Berkeley Professor of Linguistics, George Lakoff, who will discuss the ways Californians can begin to frame the debate in which this difficult change can be made. The discussion will be the first step in organizing a movement to reform the California budget.
The program is free; please bring a dish to share for the potluck. For more information call Pamela Drake at 510-593-3721.
Please help get the word out on the election. There are lots of phone banking opportunities to urge Oaklanders to pass all 4 measures. Please download the flyer below for information on phone banking opportunities!
Click image to download PDF Flyer
The City of Oakland is holding a Special Election that will wrap up on July 21. The entire ballot will consist of four (desperately needed) revenue measures. The election will be conducted only by mail, and ballots will be mailed to Oakland Voters in the middle of June. These are the four measures, followed by the League of Women Voters position. The Wellstone Club has completed its endorsement process at the June Meeting and the club overwhelmingly agrees with the positions listed below.
Measure C: This measure is an increase in the Oakland Transient Occupancy Tax (hotel tax). It would increase the current 11% tax by 3%. This brings Oakland's tax in line with the tax in surrounding communities. The tax revenue would be dedicated to the Oakland Zoo, Oakland Museum, Chabot Space & Science Center, cultural arts programs and festivals, and the Oakland Convention and Visitor Bureau.
Measure D: This measure would change the Kids First 2 measure ((Measure OO) that Oakland voters approved last November. It is sometimes referred to as the "Measure OO compromise". It would reduce the amount of money going to the Kids First programs from 2.5% of the total budget to 3% of the General Purpose Fund, and add a review every 12 years.
Measure F: Measure F would establish a new business tax rate for "cannabis businesses" (medical marijuana). These businesses are currently charged at the general tax rate ($1.20 per $1,000 of gross receipts). The new tax rate for these businesses would be $18 per $1,000 of gross receipts.
Measure H: This measure would change Oakland's Real Property Transfer Tax to clarify that businesses should pay the transfer tax (0.75% of the sales tax) when they transfer real property due to changes in ownership or control of the corporation (such as mergers and acquisitions).
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LWV Oakland's Positions on July Ballot Measures
Yes on Measure C: The Hotel Tax is paid by travelers staying in Oakland hotels and receiving city services. Oakland's tax rate will be no higher than other major cities like San Francisco. Increasing the tax rate by 3% will generate approximately $3 million of revenue each year; this money will be dedicated to funding for the Oakland Museum of California, the Chabot Space & Science Center, the Oakland Zoo, cultural and arts programs and festivals, and the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau that all benefit both Oakland residents as well as visitors. The League urges a "yes" vote on Measure C.
Yes on Measure D: This measure would partially repeal the Kids First 2 measure that Oakland voters approved last November. It provides a substantial savings for the City, and provides more flexibility by having the Kids First funding calculated on the General Purpose Fund rather than the total budget. Additionally it adds back the review clause to allow the voters to look at the program and determine whether it should continue to receive funding on a periodic basis. The League urges a "yes" vote on Measure D.
Yes on Measure F: Measure F creates a new business tax rate for cannabis businesses. The businesses and the police both support this measure. This acknowledges the extra cost that these businesses incur to the City. The League urges a "yes" vote on Measure F.
Yes on Measure H: Currently residential homeowners and small businesses pay the transfer tax when they buy, sell or transfer property. This measure clarifies the Real Property Transfer Tax so that when corporations transfer property because of mergers or acquisitions, they have to pay this same tax. It is not a new tax or higher tax. The League urges a "yes" vote on Measure H.
PROGRESSIVES IN THE ERA OF OBAMA
Matthew Hallinan
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