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Why Opponents of Prop. 43 Say It Would Cripple Local Funding

Opponents of Proposition 43 warn that requiring a two-thirds vote for citizen-led special taxes would choke off local revenue as federal funding dries up.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- MAY 5: In this photo illustration, an official voter information guide mailed to a Southern California resident, ahead of a state primary election, photographed May 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Illustration by Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)

Proposition 43 on the November ballot would raise the requirement for increasing special taxes placed on the ballot by citizens. Right now it takes a simple majority to pass those taxes, but Prop. 43 would require a two-thirds vote. 

The initiative is supported by business groups and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Meanwhile, unions and the California League of Cities say Prop. 43 would cripple their ability to raise critical revenue at a time when the federal government is slashing funding to state and local governments. 

Scott and Marisa talk to the No on 43 campaign’s Bill Barnes, who is director of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California. Marisa previously discussed the Yes campaign with Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

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