Voter Guide

VOTING GUIDE 2020

THE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

OPPOSE Proposition 15 - Split Roll Ballot Measure

September 25, 2020

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) opposes Proposition 15, a ballot measure known as 'Split Roll', which would remove Proposition 13 property tax protections for commercial and industrial properties by up to $11.5 billion per year, increasing the costs of living and the costs of doing business in California.

Hurts Small Businesses and Consumers

While proponents claim that small businesses will be protected from the tax hikes created by Prop 15, most small businesses rent their space, and large property owners will pass on the cost of the increased tax through higher rent. Those higher costs will be passed onto consumers, resulting in increased prices for essentials and an increased cost of living.

Burdens Local Government

Proposition 15 creates more than a billion dollars in new administrative costs for county assessors, burdening local government with the costs of implementing this already costly measure. Beyond this, the $11.5 billion increase in taxes will have little to no oversight, transparency, or accountability, allowing decision makers in state and local government to use it however they please.

California already has some of the highest income and sales taxes in the country, as well as the highest cost of living. Proposition 15 would exacerbate these burdens for small businesses and consumers alike. Vote NO on Proposition 15.

SUPPORT Measure RR - LAUSD Ballot Measure

September 25, 2020

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) supports Measure RR, the Los Angeles Unified School District's School Upgrades and Safety Bond Measure, which would authorize $7 billion in general obligation bonds to fund school facility construction and upgrades.

Our Children Deserve a Safe Education

LAUSD has found more than $50 billion in necessary school facility upgrades. Despite the construction of over 100 new schools, the majority of LAUSD schools are aging and not suited to provide a safe, 21st century education.  Increased funding is needed to significantly improve building safety, increase accessibility, and prepare for natural disasters. These upgrades would also alleviate serious health risks, including the presence of lead and asbestos.

Alleviates Risk of COVID-19

The reopening of schools is contingent on safety measures to stop COVID-19. Measure RR could fund necessary upgrades, such as plexiglass dividers, air filtration systems, and personal protective equipment.  COVID-19 has also made it abundantly clear that LAUSD needs technology upgrades, as low income students have been left behind with remote learning. Measure RR has the potential to fund upgrades necessary to reopen schools and the economy.

Creates Jobs and Improves the Workforce

These ongoing construction, modernization, and retrofitting projects will also support nearly 350,000 construction-related jobs.  Further, completing projects that are already underway could create an additional 120,000 jobs. The economic benefits of Measure RR do not stop with the completion of construction projects, though. By providing the next generation with safe educational facilities, we are investing in the workforce of the future.

It is more important than ever to invest in the economy, the welfare of children, and the modernization of schools. Vote YES on Measure RR.