California Supreme Court weighs removing a measure making it harder to raise taxes from the ballot

By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The California Supreme Court is weighing whether to remove a measure from the November ballot that would make it harder for the state and local governments to raise taxes. The court heard oral arguments Wednesday on the measure that would require all new and higher taxes to be approved by voters. Right now, the Legislature can raise taxes with a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and Assembly. The initiative would require statewide voters to weigh in after, with the new tax taking effect only if a majority approve it. Opponents say it would curtail revenue needed by communities to fund public services.