Californians are increasingly saying they can’t afford housing and find gas prices too high. This sentiment was reflected in the recent June election, where voters were less willing to support new taxes.
In Riverside, residents voted down a proposed sales tax increase that would have helped fund the fire department and other public services. Similarly, in Contra Costa County within the Bay Area, voters rejected a sales tax hike intended to finance healthcare services.
Analysis from the California Taxpayers Association, a research group backed by state businesses, and Michael Coleman, a seasoned observer of local tax measures, revealed a decline in the approval rate for local measures. Around 90 measures statewide saw only a 60 percent pass rate, significantly lower than the usual 75 percent.
This trend might pose a challenge for California governments planning to propose higher taxes in November. This includes measures to support the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, among others.
Mark Baldassare, survey director at the Public Policy Institute of California, stated, “Part of affordability is the affordability of taxes.” He observed that people are reconsidering the impact of higher taxes and being more selective about which ones to support.
Traditionally, California residents favored a more expanded government approach with higher taxes supporting more services. However, this preference shifted in 2023. The gap has widened since, with this trend appearing across various party lines and regions, Baldassare noted.