What They're Saying
Hear from California residents, public officials, business leaders, and community advocates who support greater transparency and accountability for taxpayer dollars.
“We keep paying more on various taxes. But we never hear where the money actually goes. This has been going on for too long. We deserve to know where our hard earned dollars go. $.73 cents of every dollar goes into taxes for our gasoline. Isn’t this a lot? I’d like to know where does the money go?”
– Janice J. from Oceanside
“This commonsense, long overdue reform will finally instill some transparency and accountability in state spending – ensuring Californians get better government services for the taxes we pay. It provides an independent, public report card for government spending, so government programs work better for everyone.”
– Pat Fong Kushida, President/CEO of the CalAsian Chamber
“The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration's (CDTFA) revenues are $99 billion per year (20% of this amount comes from fees and penalties imposed on the taxpayers), but every year, the department's balance is in the red despite the illegal actions that a few of its auditors and supervisors perform against taxpayers in order to collect more money. WHERE DOES OUR MONEY GO?”
– Tarkis V. from San Diego
“In a state with the worst gas prices and the most unhoused individuals, you'd think Sac politicians would at least make the most out of the sky-high taxes imposed on the struggling middle and lower classes. Instead, our issues remain, and the response we get in return is that they need more money. It's insulting! We need an independent watchdog.”
– Lucas R. from Visalia
“Californians are paying more for everything, including some of the highest taxes in the country. Now more than ever, Californians deserve some relief from our state’s high taxes. Prop 41 delivers.”
– Steve Westly, former Controller of California
“California families pay billions in state taxes every year and they deserve to see where that money goes and what it delivers. The Transparency Act brings real accountability and clear metrics to state spending. We’re proud to support it."