Click on image to enlarge image

MAKE IT FAIR

For more than 20 years, SCOPE has fought for new job creation models in Los Angeles. However, there’s a critical need for everyone to pay their fair share of taxes so that those programs can become a reality, and government can do its job to meet our community’s needs. Ensuring public safety, providing quality education, building parks and libraries, protecting the environment, creating jobs that pay a living wage, and offering affordable housing are just some of the investments our communities need. In 2014, SCOPE launched a multi-year campaign to change current tax policies in Los Angeles by putting the conversation of progressive taxes into the forefront of political debate, while challenging and debunking misleading rhetoric around “spending cuts.”

As the flagship anchor organization for California Calls, SCOPE laid the groundwork in 2012 for the campaign supporting Proposition 30. Under Prop 30, individuals making more than $250,000 would be taxed by an additional 3 percent for 7 years, along with establishing a quarter-cent sales tax for 4 years, both of which fund public education directly. However, this was only a temporary solution to a long-standing problem. Unless we get to the core of these systemic issues as a state, we will continue stumbling to fund public services. Everyone deserves to have access to a better quality of life, not just the wealthy. Now we have another opportunity to fund schools, colleges, health care, and other services needed in our communities.

By closing loopholes found in current commercial property taxes, $9 billion dollars a year can be generated to fund vital public resources. The ‘Make it Fair’ campaign will ensure that corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes in California. SCOPE, along with more than 40 community groups, labor unions, and faith based organizations are joining California Calls to take a stand and fight for our states future. Over the next year, we are recruiting 1 million Californians who are ready to rebuild our communities, make California a better and stronger state and secure local funding for our local needs. By continuing to grow our base of informed voters, we will build the power needed to improve the quality of life for South LA. Join the movement to ‘Make it Fair’ and sign up.