ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE G

Vote Yes on Measure G to continue funding essential city services such as police protection, paramedics, lifeguards, fire rescue, libraries, park maintenance and recreation programs for children and seniors.

Measure G is NOT a new tax and the existing rate will NOT increase.

Measure G simply continues the existing Utility User Tax that has been in place since 1985. With a unanimous vote of the City Council, Measure G provides the voters of Long Beach the opportunity to reaffirm the existing UUT due to legal and technology changes that have occurred since it was implemented 23 years ago.

Because the current UUT is so outdated, it contains loopholes and not everyone is paying their fair share. Your yes vote will ensure that all taxpayers, regardless of the technology they use, are treated the same and everyone pays their fair share.

Measure G is critical to our community and our ability to deliver services to you. The UUT generates $15 million every year to the City, which represents enough revenue to fund 100 police officers or all the youth and senior recreation and after school programs. Without funds from the UUT, there will be major cuts to these important public services. Long Beach is a great city to live in, let's keep it that way.

Measure G exempts low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities from paying the UUT.

Vote YES on Measure G to close unfair loopholes and continue funding essential services that make Long Beach a great place to live, work and play.

LAURA L. DOUD
City Auditor

PATRICK H. WEST
City Manager