Proposition 13 debates starting to rage

FINALLY!  The San Francisco Chronicle has managed in recent days to stimulate some real discussion about the ills and misinformation around Proposition 13.

Lately, there has been talk of rolling back the industry side of Proposition 13, the 1987 bill that hobbled state tax rates from moving anywhere close to inflation, essentially creating a privileged class (those that were here prior to 1985) and a penalized class (those arriving recently).  Worse, it has drained state revenues once used to support roads, schools, and infrastructure (including first responders).

Assemblyman Phil Ting (D) wrote to the Editor on Monday June 10, saying:
"As the former San Francisco assessor-recorder, I know the rules -- and loopholes -- deep-rooted in Proposition 13.  Prop 13 remains popular today because voters don't understand the unfairness that these loopholes create.  Jon Coupal ("Protect California business, protect Prop 13" Open Forum, June 7) does not address the main issue or the main beneficiaries of Prop. 13 -- commercial property owners.
Prior to Prop. 13, in San Francisco, almost 60 percent of property taxes were paid by commerical property owners.  Today that figure is less than 47 percent....
Coupal also doesn't acknowledge that the Prop. 13 commercial property tax subsidy enjoyed by old businesses deters new businesses from purchasing property.  In addition, a large disparity exists between what a new property owner must charge businesses that want to rent or lease versus a landlord who owns a 30-year old property.
All the proposals being discussed now continue to protect homeowners by keeping Prop 13 intact for residential property.  Let's close the loopholes voters don't know about and strengthen Prop. 13 for what it was meant to do -- protect homeowners and seniors."