Generational family wealth bad for California

I am writing in regard to the recently published California Voice commentary by Rep. Patricia Bates, who tried to make a case for her SB 668 proposal to delay and restrict implementation of Proposition 19 (“Delaying Proposition 19 provision makes sense for Marin families,” May 23).

She says it “puts generational family wealth at stake” due to the removal of family transfers from Proposition 13 tax exemptions. Bates does not seem to consider whether generational family wealth is a good thing.

One point of the American Revolution was to rid ourselves of certain forms of generational family wealth, to wit the royal presumption by kings that their children should inherit their position. More broadly, Americans wanted to avoid the corrosive, class-ridden system of England in general, which was founded most fundamentally on generational family wealth.

I believe that those who voted for Prop. 19 did so in full knowledge that this amendment would be a significant benefit to our state’s finances, as well as strike a blow against what has started to become a class of “landed gentry.” Right now, Californians with generational family wealth also get a perpetual and unearned right to lower taxes than their neighbors.

This is the last thing our state should be in the business of supporting. With all the advantages children of the rich have, tax forgiveness on this scale is a truly appalling policy. They should use their education to become productive members of society and earn their way into the California real estate market on equal terms.

— Burk Braun, San Rafael