Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is a non-profit organization based in California, United States, founded by Howard Jarvis in 1978, with the primary goal of protecting the rights of California taxpayers, similar to the National Taxpayers Union and the Tax Foundation. The organization is known for its advocacy of tax reform and fiscal conservatism, often working with other groups such as the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation. The association's efforts have been compared to those of Grover Norquist and his organization, Americans for Tax Reform, in their quest to limit government spending and promote free market principles, as seen in the Reagan Revolution and the Contract with America. The organization has also been involved in various California ballot propositions, including Proposition 13 and Proposition 218, which aimed to limit property tax increases and protect taxpayers' rights, similar to the efforts of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan.

● History

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association was founded in 1978 by Howard Jarvis, a California businessman and politician, who is often credited with launching the tax revolt of the 1970s, along with other notable figures such as Ronald Reagan and Jesse Helms. Jarvis, who served in the California State Assembly, was a strong advocate for tax reform and fiscal conservatism, and his organization quickly gained support from California taxpayers, including Proposition 13 co-author Paul Gann and California Governor George Deukmejian. The association's early efforts focused on promoting Proposition 13, a ballot initiative that aimed to limit property tax increases, which was passed in 1978 with the support of Ronald Reagan and other notable Republicans, such as William F. Buckley Jr. and Milton Friedman. The organization's success in promoting Proposition 13 helped establish it as a major player in California politics, often working with other groups such as the California Republican Party and the National Rifle Association.

● Mission and Activities

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association's mission is to protect the rights of California taxpayers and promote fiscal conservatism, often working with other organizations such as the American Legislative Exchange Council and the State Policy Network. The organization's activities include lobbying California lawmakers, such as California State Senate and California State Assembly members, to support tax reform and fiscal responsibility, as well as educating taxpayers about their rights and the impact of taxation on the California economy, similar to the efforts of Arthur Laffer and the Laffer Curve. The association also provides resources and support to taxpayers who are facing tax disputes or other issues related to taxation, often working with California tax attorneys and accountants, such as Ernst & Young and KPMG. The organization has worked with notable California politicians, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senator Dianne Feinstein, to promote tax reform and fiscal conservatism, as well as with other organizations such as the California Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.

● Notable Initiatives

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has been involved in several notable initiatives over the years, including the promotion of Proposition 13 and Proposition 218, which aimed to limit property tax increases and protect taxpayers' rights, similar to the efforts of Newt Gingrich and the Contract with America. The organization has also worked to promote tax reform and fiscal responsibility in California, often partnering with other groups such as the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation. In 2010, the association launched a campaign to support Proposition 26, a ballot initiative that aimed to require a two-thirds majority vote in the California State Legislature to approve tax increases, which was supported by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other notable Republicans, such as Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina. The organization has also worked with notable California politicians, including Senator Tom McClintock and Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy, to promote tax reform and fiscal conservatism, as well as with other organizations such as the California Republican Party and the National Rifle Association.

● Leadership and Organization

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is led by a board of directors that includes prominent California businessmen and politicians, such as Jon Coupal and Joel Fox, who have worked with other notable organizations such as the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation. The organization's staff includes experienced lobbyists and policy analysts who work to promote the association's mission and goals, often partnering with other groups such as the American Legislative Exchange Council and the State Policy Network. The association is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and has a network of local chapters and affiliates throughout the state, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose, which often work with other organizations such as the California Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.

● Impact and Controversies

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has had a significant impact on California politics and taxation policy, often working with other organizations such as the National Taxpayers Union and the Tax Foundation. The organization's efforts to promote tax reform and fiscal responsibility have been credited with helping to limit government spending and protect taxpayers' rights, similar to the efforts of Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform. However, the association has also faced criticism and controversy, particularly from liberal and progressive groups who argue that its policies have contributed to budget deficits and inequality in California, such as the California Teachers Association and the Service Employees International Union. The organization has also been involved in several high-profile lawsuits and disputes related to taxation and fiscal policy, including a notable lawsuit against the California State Legislature over the implementation of Proposition 13, which was supported by California Governor Jerry Brown and other notable Democrats, such as Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Boxer.

● Criticisms and Reception

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has faced criticism from various groups and individuals, including liberal and progressive organizations, such as the California Teachers Association and the Service Employees International Union, who argue that its policies have contributed to budget deficits and inequality in California. Some critics have also accused the organization of promoting special interests and ideology over the needs of California taxpayers, similar to the criticisms faced by Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform. However, the association has also received praise and support from conservative and libertarian groups, such as the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation, who see its efforts as a necessary check on government spending and taxation, as well as from notable California politicians, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senator Dianne Feinstein. The organization's reputation and influence in California politics continue to be a subject of debate and discussion, with some viewing it as a powerful advocate for taxpayers' rights and others seeing it as a obstacle to progressive policy initiatives, similar to the debates surrounding the Tea Party movement and the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Category:Taxation in the United States