By the Press Democrat Editorial Board
Proposition 19 did more than its TV advertising campaign suggested.
The measure, backed by the real estate industry, was presented as relief for senior citizens and wildfire victims, who would be allowed to buy new homes while avoiding higher property taxes. As a sweetener, it earmarked some revenue for fire protection.
The objective: more houses bought and sold, more commissions for real estate agents and brokers.
A previous version of the measure got swamped, failing by nearly 20 points in 2018. With the wildfire provisions added, Prop. 19 squeaked by in November with 51.1% of the vote.
What the ads didn’t mention was Prop. 19’s treatment of inherited property.
Click here to read the full article in The Press Democrat.
