Letters: Inherited California properties shouldn't get tax breaks

"Though the season of giving is upon us, I'm not feeling generous when it comes to the repeal-Proposition 19 crowd. In my view, it is unconscionable that those who inherit assets worth millions of dollars demand preferential tax treatment as well. Where is the fairness in that? Those who purchased the Sunnyvale house that Shari Duffy inherited free and clear most certainly aren't receiving a lower property tax assessment, so it is perplexing to me why she thinks she is deserving of one."

"I am one Realtor who did not vote for Proposition 19. I support private property rights, not short-term sales gains at property owners' expense. Passage of Proposition 19 illustrates the number of low-information voters in the state. It's also a clarion call for a neutral third-party to write the synopses of propositions in the voter pamphlets and on the ballots, rather than the attorney general, a partisan elected official. Kathryn TomainoLos Altos"

"Improve training formandated reporters I am writing to express my concern regarding mandated reporter training for professionals in San Jose and the county. From working many mandated reporter positions within San Jose, I can say the mandated reporter training lacks efficiency. A brief mandated reporter training does not do justice to the children who may be being abused or neglected"

Proposition 19 extended property tax benefits to inherited properties, prompting objections that multimillion-dollar heirs receive preferential tax treatment while many Americans lack emergency savings. Critics cite specific cases where inherited homes retain favorable assessments, arguing that such breaks are inequitable. Some Realtors fault low-information voting and call for neutral, third-party synopses for ballot measures instead of partisan officials providing summaries. Separately, mandated reporter training in San Jose is described as insufficient and inefficient, with advocates urging more thorough training to better protect children who may be abused or neglected.

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