No, not now on tax measures

Sonoma County voters are casting ballots this year with fire season upon us and as we continue to grapple with a pandemic. Many of us are experiencing new levels of loss, trauma, frustration and fear. The constant stream of change, challenge, and news is overwhelming.

Many families are facing lost wages, a rollercoaster of unemployment, lack of childcare, and virtual schooling that’s near impossible for children and parents.

Now more than ever it is time for us to support our families, workers and seniors, not to burden residents with new and extended taxes. Many of the 8 proposed taxes on the ballot in Sonoma County and its cities provide limited additional services, but rather simply protect the general fund.

While our governments bring in record cash from settlements and federal stimulus, the structure of these measures disproportionately puts the burden on our middle-class and low-income families, the unemployed, and fixed-income seniors, asking more from them every time they access basic needs and everyday services.

The Chamber is not against taxes. We have supported taxes before and will likely support them again. We are simply asking for no new or extended burdens on our residents for the next two years.

Let’s recover from our recent fires – and get through fire season – first. Let’s navigate PSPS, care for our residents, and keep our favorite small business alive. Let’s reopen our schools safely for teachers and students. Let’s get the thousands of families who have lost a job back in the workforce. Then, let’s figure out what taxes are needed for what lays ahead of us.

This is why the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber has joined a coalition of other groups, including the Farm Bureau, North Bay Leadership Council, and North Coast Builders Exchange, to say “No, Not Now” to sales taxes on this year’s ballot.

If you agree, please visit the Coalition’s website to join us by making a financial contribution, endorsing the effort, or just finding out more information about why we are saying “No, Not Now”: https://2020taxmoratorium.com

You will likely start seeing our first ad as well. I hope you will share it with others.