Labor union pledges $200,000 for possible Oakland tax measure

"Oakland officials are strongly considering placing a new tax measure on the June primary ballot to make up for a $40 million shortfall. The idea dates back to the budget proposed by then-Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins earlier this year and approved by the City Council in the spring. According to city calculations, this entire missing amount could be raised by boosting taxes on property owners by $150 to $220 a year, depending on the type of property."

"But asking property owners - who already pay other taxes for public safety, libraries, and more - to raise their taxes again could be a political risk. The City Council has discussed a number of other options, including combining a parcel tax with other ways to raise revenue. Even without the measure finalized or named, the SEIU 1021 committee, called Oaklanders for a Safe, Clean and Healthy City, made the $200,000 contribution in support of it."

Pamela Price announced a new run for office. SEIU Local 1021 reported setting aside $200,000 through a committee named Oaklanders for a Safe, Clean and Healthy City to support a potential parcel tax measure. City officials are considering a parcel tax on the June primary ballot to close a $40 million shortfall. City calculations show the shortfall could be covered by raising property taxes by $150 to $220 annually, depending on property type. Voters approved a sales tax increase in April to address the deficit. The administration considered 100 layoffs but cut only vacant positions. SEIU 1021 and three other city unions reached contract agreements in September.

Read at The Oaklandside