Budget Buster: Reexamining Proposition 13

In this 2011 "SoCal Connected" piece, Brian Rooney examined the effectiveness of Proposition 13, a game changer that was passed by voters in 1978. The initiative helped cap property taxes at one percent of assessed value, and froze values at 1975 levels.

Many advocates say the initiative has worked to protect homeowners and commercial property. It has also helped some businesses pay property taxes on values far below their market rates.

But more than 30 years later, there are still enormous disparities in commercial property tax bills.

Featuring Interviews With:

• Lenny Goldberg, California Reform Association
• Jennifer Bestor, Prop 13 reform advocate
• Jon Coupal, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association