Another legislatively referred con-


stitutional amendment would require initiatives that change vote thresholds to supermajority votes to pass by the same vote requirement as is being proposed, as well as authorizing local government to place advisory questions on the local ballots. Tis measure, supported by public sector unions, is intended to thwart an already qualified citizen-initiated ballot measure that would amend the state constitution to: 1) define all state and local levies, charges, and fees as taxes; 2) require new state taxes proposed by the state legislature to be enacted by a two-thirds legislative vote and voter approval; and 3) require new local taxes to be enacted via two-thirds vote of the electorate. While it remains to be seen if this tax ballot fight can be resolved before


the November general election, it will have consequences for the construction industry.


Citizen-Led Initiative to Upend Upland Decision Te proponents of the citizen-led initia- tive are looking to upend the California Supreme Court decision in California Cannabis Coal. v. City of Upland. The Upland decision opened a door for legal interpretation – and eventually several efforts followed – that local special and general taxes could be passed with a ma- jority vote if proposed by voter initiative. Consisting of various business inter-


ests, proponents are concerned that local jurisdictions and union allies will pursue additional tax revenues from industry to augment local government coffers. As can be seen, this is a politically complex policy fight taking shape at the ballot box. For AGC


of California, increasing local government support for infrastructure projects is a positive outcome. However, raising taxes to fund local government budgets that don’t make investments is also of concern. AGC of California leadership and the


PAC committee will continue to monitor these ballot measures as well as decide on contributions to candidates. And thanks to the membership’s efforts, it will do so in the 2024 election cycle with more resources than ever before. Tank you to all of those who have helped and participated in these fundrais- ing efforts to ensure that AGC of California remains the voice of the industry!


Felipe Fuentes





Cement Masons Locals 500 & 600 signatory contractors are among the highest profile, reputable and successful firms in South- ern California. Our workforce represents the most highly trained and competent craftspeople in the concrete industry. Our relationship together can assist in your company’s value and growth. If that doesn’t convince you, maybe this will. We help level your playing field with:     


Your workforce is trained in:


       


Contact us and we will show you how we have assisted others like you to create growth and value, just like we have been doing for 150 years.


  Local 600 ~ 323-771-0991 ~ www.cementmasons600.org


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023


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