A Board That Needs Reform
The Board of Equalization has an important responsibility to ensure that California’s tax laws are administered consistently, transparently, and fairly.
But the Board has failed to prevent corruption and favoritism, tolerated unfair loopholes, and approved sweetheart tax treatment for powerful interests.
Ordinary Californians deserve a Board that enforces the rules fairly, protects taxpayers, and helps reduce the cost of living.
The Board of Equalization is failing ordinary Californians.
I’m running for the Board of Equalization because our government only works when people who hold power actually use it to deliver results, protect the public, and create opportunity.
At a time when California needs a practical government that effectively addresses the high cost of living here, too many public officeholders fail to confront real problems and forge common sense solutions. Meanwhile, Californians struggle with affordability, the cost of housing, food, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and access to education, climate threats.
In my public career, I’ve never treated holding office as a privilege. Rather it’s a responsibility. In my business career, I’ve strived to improve the environment while providing for my family. On the Board of Equalization I plan to:
(1) End the sales tax on food. It’s a regressive tax that disproportionately burdens working families, seniors, and young people.
(2) Close tax loopholes so that large corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. The Water’s Edge Election, Invest/Borrow/Die, and Carried Interest top my list.
(3) Strengthen transparency and accountability to ensure the Board operates effectively and earns the public’s trust.
“I believe progressive values mean little without action and competence. Fairness requires follow-through. Affordability requires practical reform. And government should work…for everyone!”
—John Pimentel
John Pimentel will reform the Board of Equalization to make billionaires and corporations pay their fair share, end corruption and favoritism, and eliminate sales tax on the food Californians rely on.
