Skip to content

NFIB California Podcast: Prop. 13 at 45 Years of Age

NFIB California Podcast: Prop. 13 at 45 Years of Age

June 29, 2023

NFIB California Podcast: Prop. 13 at 45 Years of Age

On June 6, 1978, California voters, led by angry property owners, passed Proposition 13, which not only released public policy shockwaves across the nation but also triggered a hostility against it that continues to this day. No ballot initiative has ever faced the loud enmity Prop. 13 encountered by opponents who warned it would decimate public education and dry up local government financing, when they weren’t shrieking at seniors about the loss of police and fire services. It won’t last a year, then-Gov. Jerry Brown predicted if it passed. None of the hysteria panned out. Instead, Prop. 13 became “good tax policy,” said Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, named after the founder of the revolution. “It’s not what we saved California homeowners and businesses, but it also stabilized revenue for government and significantly provides higher property tax [revenues] than other states.” Why, then, will Prop. 13 never shake free of its persistent detractors? NFIB California State Director John Kabateck and NFIB chief legislative analyst, Tim Taylor, take a stroll down memory lane with Coupal and look ahead to what the future holds. Click the arrow below to listen. And click here to listen to all prior NFIB California Podcasts.  
Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

Related
May 27, 2026
NFIB Sales Blitzes Net 98 New Members
Small business owners in Modesto, Victorville join the Main Street cause
Read More
Vote buttons stack with red and blue colors
Related
May 26, 2026
Early Voting is Underway for the June 9 Nevada Primary Election
Elections are a business decision
Read More
Related
May 26, 2026
NFIB Releases Radio & Digital Ads Warning Against State Question 832
State Question 832 is a permanent, uncapped mandate that will crush small businesses and family farms with price hikes and lost jobs.
Read More
Related
May 26, 2026
NFIB California Main Street Minute, May 26-29
Where good bills go into but never come out of
Read More

© 2001 - 2026 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility