Yes on Prop. A to Lift Unrealistic Gann Limits

With the unconscionably long list of propositions on this November’s ballot, Proposition A, the measure that would temporarily raise the spending limit for county government, could get lost in the shuffle.

It shouldn’t. Passage of Proposition A is vital to all residents of San Diego County. If the current spending limits are not lifted, state funds that are earmarked for San Diego County will be spent elsewhere. And San Diegans will probably see a replay of the severe budget cuts made this summer in services ranging from mental health and seniors’ programs to crime-prevention and child-abuse projects.

That’s because the county’s population and cost of living are growing faster than the national and state rates, which are the bases of the so-called Gann spending limit.

Formulas for distributing state tax monies are already shortchanging San Diego County. San Diego’s share of state funds ranks 57th out of the state’s 58 counties. If Proposition A fails, and the current spending limits remain in force, that situation would only worsen.

A similar measure was on the June ballot but was narrowly defeated. Supervisor George Bailey was right on the mark when he said that, “With it that close and with this meaning so much to so many people and services, we’d be negligent in our duties if we didn’t put this back on the ballot.”

Specifically, county officials say that the current spending limit could reduce county revenues by $2.2 million this year. It also would prevent the county from participating in a state program that would provide $25 million a year for court operations.

Opponents argue that the measure would not truly be temporary. Though it would only lift the spending limit for four years, opponents say that county government would grow used to the additional revenue and would have to ask for further extensions. The opponents are probably correct.

But that is just further proof that the Gann limits are unrealistic and should be repealed.

The bottom line on Proposition A is that it would not raise taxes. It would only allow San Diego County to spend what it collects, which is already insufficient to meet the needs of the 2.3 million people who live here.

We recommend a yes vote on Proposition A.