Sacramento, CA — A broad coalition of business and taxpayer advocates today announced the submission of signatures to qualify the Local Taxpayer Protection Act for the November 2026 statewide ballot. The measure is designed to reaffirm voter protections against higher local taxes and ensure greater transparency and accountability before new taxes are imposed.

The coalition — including the California Business Roundtable, California Business Properties Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and California Taxpayers Association — emphasized that the measure is about protecting working families and employers at a time when Californians are already struggling with some of the highest housing, energy, and everyday living costs in the nation.

“This is about reaffirming and restoring the will of the voters when they overwhelmingly passed Prop. 218,” said Rob Lapsley, President of the California Business Roundtable. “Californians have repeatedly voted for transparency and accountability when it comes to taxes. At a time when families and small businesses are squeezed by the highest cost of living in the country, the last thing we need are new and higher local taxes without clear voter approval. The Local Taxpayer Protection Act restores guardrails and ensures taxpayers have the final say.”

Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, said the submission of signatures reflects strong grassroots support across the state. “Taxpayers deserve certainty and fairness. The Local Taxpayer Protection Act protects the integrity of voter-approved tax safeguards and prevents end-runs around longstanding constitutional protections. This is about defending taxpayers and making sure local governments live within their means.”

Robert Gutierrez, President of the California Taxpayers Association, emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline. “California’s cost-of-living crisis is real. Before asking taxpayers for more, government at every level must prioritize accountability and responsible budgeting. This measure reinforces voter intent and ensures that new local taxes meet clear, consistent standards.”

The growing coalition includes campaign co-chairs the California Business Roundtable, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California Business Properties Association, and the California Taxpayers Association (CalTax).

Coalition leaders said the signature submission marks the beginning — not the end — of their efforts.

“We are organized, united, and ready to take this directly to voters in November,” Lapsley added. “Californians want affordability, transparency, and respect for their vote. We look forward to a robust campaign that makes the case for protecting taxpayers and keeping the cost of living in check.”

If certified, the Local Taxpayer Protection Act will appear on the November 2026 ballot.