California Black Media

California Supreme Court Blocks Anti-Tax Measure from Appearing on November Ballot

On June 20, the California Supreme Court decided to prevent placing an anti-tax initiative on the November ballot, ruling in favor of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislators. The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act aimed to challenge the increase of taxes in California. The initiative calls for prohibiting the Legislature from raising or introducing new taxes without voter approval.

Published

7 months ago

July 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Shutterstock photo.

By California Black Media

On June 20, the California Supreme Court decided to prevent placing an anti-tax initiative on the November ballot, ruling in favor of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislators.

The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act aimed to challenge the increase of taxes in California. The initiative calls for prohibiting the Legislature from raising or introducing new taxes without voter approval.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders sued last year to block the anti-tax measure.

According to the court ruling, Gov. Newsom and legislators petitioned to halt the initiative, arguing that it “is invalid because it attempts to revise the California Constitution via citizen initiative.”

Court documents stated that the petitioners argued that the anti-tax measure, “is invalid because it would seriously impair essential government functions.”

In the court ruling, Justice Goodwin Liu stated that the proposed changes, “would substantially alter our basic plan of government. The proposal cannot be enacted by initiative. It is instead governed by the procedures for revising our Constitution.”

Under current state law, only a supermajority of the Legislature or a constitutional convention can submit proposed revisions to voters for approval.

California labor unions celebrated the court’s decision and celebrated the ruling on the social media platform X.

Tia Orr, executive director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California Chapter, said the ballot measure was harmful.

“The threat to destroy California w/ greed and hubris lost today,” she wrote on the social media platform X, celebrating the High Court’s decision.

“Developers, landlords & corporations: our democracy is not your plaything to rearrange with your checkbook,” Orr added.

The court ordered Secretary of State Shirley Weber to stop any efforts to place the anti-tax measure on the November ballot.

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Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

Published

24 hours ago

February 9, 2025

Oakland Post

Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.

Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.

Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.

Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.

The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.

Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.