Official Ballot Argument

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION S

Proposition S updates, modernizes and reduces the current telephone tax in Los Angeles. By applying the tax more evenly and fairly to businesses and consumers, Proposition S will replace the current 10% tax with a 9% tax.

Proposition S is fairer than the current tax because it will apply equally to large businesses that use private networks, not just residents and small businesses that currently pay. Proposition S does NOT allow a tax on Internet access, e-mail and downloads.

Under Proposition S, the new reduced tax will be used for essential services such as police, emergency 911 response, fire protection and street maintenance. Proposition S is necessary to comply with recent court decisions. If not passed by voters, substantial cuts in important City services may occur.

Proposition S completely exempts low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities from paying the tax.

Once Proposition S is adopted, the tax cannot be increased or changed without voter approval. A YES vote on Proposition S requires annual audits by the Office of Finance to ensure that the tax is collected properly at the lower rate, and that all monies are deposited in the general fund and properly spent.

Firefighters, police officers and paramedics urge you to vote YES on S for safety, and to reduce the telephone tax.

Vote YES on Proposition S.

PERSONS SIGNING ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION S

ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA Mayor, City of Los Angeles	RICHARD J. RIORDAN Former Mayor, City of Los Angeles
WILLIAM J. BRATTON Chief of Police	DOUGLAS BARRY Fire Chief
STEVE TUFTS President United Firefighters of Los Angeles	TIM SANDS President Los Angeles Police Protective League
BERNARD C. PARKS Councilmember, 8th District	J. RICHARD LEYNER Former Chairman, United Chamber of Commerce San Fernando Valley
TAMMY FLORES President Sylmar Neighborhood Council	MARVIN TAVLIN President Westside Chapter California Alliance for Retired Americans

 

 REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT AGAINST
PROPOSITION S

1. Proposition S reduces the utility tax from 10% to 9%.
   Once Proposition S is adopted, the tax cannot be increased without voter approval.
   
   Proposition S does NOT allow a tax on Internet access, email and downloads.
    

2. Proposition S is fairer than the current tax because it will apply equally to large businesses using private networks, not just residents and small businesses that currently pay.
   
   Low-income seniors and persons with disabilities are exempted from paying.
    

3. A YES vote on Proposition S requires annual audits by the Office of Finance to insure that the tax is collected at the lower rate, and that all monies are properly spent.
   
   The reduced tax will be used for services such as police emergency 911 response, fire protection and street maintenance. If not passed by voters, substantial cuts in essential City services may occur.
    

4. Vote YES on S for safety, and to reduce the telephone tax.

PERSONS SIGNING REBUTTAL TO THE
ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION S

RICHARD J. RIORDAN Former Mayor City of Los Angeles	WILLIAM J. BRATTON Chief of Police
GLORIA POLLACK Director, United Chamber of Commerce San Fernando Valley	JASON LYON Former Co-chair Silver Lake Neighborhood Council
MARVIN TAVLIN President Westside Chapter California Alliance for Retired Americans	ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA Mayor, City of Los Angeles
DOUGLAS BARRY Fire Chief	STEVE TUFTS President United Firefighters of Los Angeles
TIM SANDS President Los Angeles Police Protective League	BERNARD C. PARKS Councilmember, 8th District