New York Times: Say Yes to Progressive Taxation

California is at the top of that list, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. But there is room for improvement. For the last four decades, property taxation in California has been constrained by Proposition 13, the seminal anti-tax ballot initiative passed in 1978. The measure limits property taxation in California to 1 percent of the purchase price plus modest inflation adjustments. As a result, the state does not benefit from appreciation unless a property changes hands — a system that favors older homeowners and wealthy landlords. Read more