To view the Prop S Facts commercials, click on the images below.

 

What is Prop S?

On the February 5, 2008 ballot for the City of Los Angeles, Proposition S is entitled “Reduction of Tax Rate and Modernization of Communications Users
Tax.” Proposition S cuts the current tax rate on telephone services for Los Angeles by closing a loophole so that corporations and others that are not currently paying the tax pay their fair share. Those who use modern telephone technologies such as T1 telephone lines do not currently pay the tax. Proposition S exempts low income seniors and low income people with disabilities from paying the telephone tax.
 

How Does It Work?

Prop S reduces the telephone users tax, replacing the current 10% tax with a 9% tax. Prop S does NOT allow a tax on Internet access, email and downloads. Prop S is fairer than the current tax because it will apply equally to all telephone communications technologies, not just the residents and small businesses that currently pay. Proposition S closes a loophole that allows many corporations to not pay because they use private networks.
 

Prop S has built-in safeguards to protect L.A. taxpayers.

Once Proposition S is adopted by the voters, the City Council cannot increase the tax without voter approval. Proposition S requires annual independent audits to insure that the tax is collected properly at the new, lower rate, and that funds are properly spent. Proposition S does NOT allow a tax on Internet access, downloads or email.
 

Prop S is necessary for public safety.

Under the leadership of Police Chief William Bratton, the City is working hard to reduce crime in Los Angeles—and Proposition S is essential to help us keep making progress. Proposition S will help preserve public safety initiatives like gang and crime prevention programs, after school centers and summer jobs for at-risk teens. It will ensure that we have enough police officers, firefighters and paramedics to keep L.A. residents safe.

If Proposition S does not pass, the City may have to cut important safety programs including:

• Crime investigation units
• Domestic abuse response teams
• Gang prevention
• Traffic control
• Emergency ambulance service
• Police officer hiring and training
• Firefighter hiring and training
• Replacement of outdated firefighting equipment
• Upgrading emergency communications systems and training

At a time when the federal government and the state of
California are sending less and less money to Los Angeles
for public safety, education, and traffic relief, Proposition S
ensures the City can keep its commitment to the people who
live here by funding public safety and other important services.