By Michael Nolan – September 30, 2024
The Solano County Taxpayers Association (SCTA) is deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom
has signed Assembly Bill 3259 into law, despite our strong opposition. This legislation unfairly
targets taxpayers in the County of Solano, singling it out from all 57 other counties in California.
The bill creates a special exception allowing Solano County and every city in Solano County to
exceed, by 25%, the maximum sales tax rate established by state law. Not only that, but the bill
creates a perverse incentive for the County and its cities to quickly seize this opportunity whether
they need additional funds or not. This bill gives the County and its cities only until the November
election in 2028 to pass the higher tax. After that the window for overtaxing their citizens closes.
By undermining the protections currently in place to prevent excessive taxation, this bill sets a
concerning precedent for future legislation. When other cities and counties see that the Legislature
made an exception for Solano County, they will want the same special treatment, further straining
California’s economy.
The signing of AB 3259 into law will have significant and far-reaching consequences for Solano
County. It will put businesses in Solano County and its cities at a competitive disadvantage, stifle
economic growth, limit job opportunities, drive up the cost of goods, and reduce the spending power
of local family incomes, undermining the quality of life for our residents.
Furthermore, if the City of Benicia approves Measure F, we will be forced to take legal action to
protect the rights of Solano County taxpayers. The passage of AB 3259, combined with the approval
of Measure F, would create an unconstitutional and discriminatory tax burden on Benicia.
“We are extremely disappointed that the Governor has chosen to sign this bill into law, despite our
repeated warnings about its devastating impact on Solano County,” said Michael Nolan, SCTA
president. “We will not stand idly by while our community is unfairly targeted and burdened with
excessive taxes and regulations. We will take all necessary steps to protect the rights of our
taxpayers and ensure that our community is treated fairly and equally under the law,” Nolan added.
The SCTA will continue to fight for the rights of Solano County taxpayers and will oppose efforts by
the County and by any city in the County to increase their sales tax under this bill’s authorization.
Michael Nolan is President of Solano County Taxpayers Association
