Catalyst California CEO Argues to Close Prop 13 Tax Loopholes
In a guest commentary, Catalyst California president and CEO John Kim argues that California should close Proposition 13's commercial and industrial property tax loopholes, citing USC research estimating up to $25.1 billion in additional annual revenue if such properties were reassessed at current market value. Kim contends the state needs this revenue because federal budget legislation will push roughly 2 million Californians off Medi-Cal by 2028 and shift nearly half a million off CalFresh, while the state faces a deficit exceeding $20 billion a year. He calls on the Legislature and the next governor to use new tax revenue to offset these federal cuts to health and food assistance programs. The piece frames tax reform as a way to rebuild public trust in government amid rising safety-net losses.