Shadowy group formed to push Elk Grove Measure E tax hike

Elk Grove voters will be asked this November if they are willing to pay an additional $23 million in taxes. That increase would be from a one-percent increase in sales taxes.

On the November ballot as Measure E, placement of the regressive tax hike was approved by all but one of the Elk Grove City Council, Councilmember Pat Hume. If approved by a simple majority, the City of Elk Grove will use the tax for unspecified purposes.

However, it has been implied that cash will be funneled to the Cosumnes Fire Department, a separate agency from the city.

While the City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Services District have communicated information via newsletters, by law, they cannot advocate for its approval. A group has been organized into that void to promote the new tax.

According to information filed with the Elk Grove City Clerk’s office, a group called Committee to Keep Elk Grove Clean and Safe – Yes on Measure E 2022 has been organized to promote passage. Aside from listing treasurer Denise Lewis, the committee has not been funded by contributors.

In their communications, Elk Grove and the CCSD have implied the funds are needed to assure public safety and improve emergency medical response times. Given police and firefighters would benefit from increased funding, unions representing these groups could be contributors to the campaign.

The committee was formed in early September.