Transparency Act Supporters Will Submit Signatures To Qualify for November Ballot

Measure requires public audits for new taxes to increase accountability and transparency and deliver better results for Californians’ tax dollars

Sacramento, CA - The Transparency Act Campaign - a coalition of good government groups, small businesses, community advocates, accountants and auditing experts - announced they will submit the necessary number of signatures to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot later this week. 

The “Improving Transparency, Effectiveness and Efficiency in California Government Act” - also known as the Transparency Act - will help put an end to wasteful government spending and ensure taxpayer-funded programs deliver real results. According to recent polling, the measure has strong bipartisan support, with 74 percent of voters saying they approve of the State Auditor conducting financial and performance audits of the programs funded by new state special taxes measures, with results posted publicly.

“California families pay billions in state taxes every year and they deserve to see where that money goes and what it delivers,” said Tracy Hernandez, Co-Founder and CEO, New California Coalition, a non-partisan advocacy organization of voters, business leaders, and community organizations from across the state demanding change and action. “The Transparency Act brings real accountability and clear metrics to state spending. We’re proud to support it."

The measure will require the State Auditor to conduct financial and performance audits of the programs to be funded by new state special taxes, including requirements to: 

• Identify the amount of potential savings from addressing waste and fraud 

• Recommend potential program improvements to deliver better outcomes

• Make the findings public and include a clear summary in the state’s official Voter Information Guide so voters can make informed choices about tax measures

• Conduct ongoing and future audits to ensure continued oversight and accountability

“Californians are fed up. We are paying some of the highest taxes in the nation on top of the exorbitant costs of basic living expenses, yet tax dollars are being misused and wasted, which impacts real communities across the state.” said Paul Granillo, President & CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership. “The Transparency Act will finally provide the accountability, trackable progress and transparency that voters need and deserve.” 

“The Transparency Act gives voters the chance to have a transparent, unbiased analysis of a proposed tax and the programs it would support, ensuring a clear understanding of how that program will benefit communities before they cast their vote,” said Robert Gutierrez, President of CalTax. “And the public audits that follow will ensure continued oversight - so that tax dollars will be spent efficiently and as intended on programs that are meant to provide essential support to children, families and vulnerable communities across the state.”

Signatures will be turned into county registrars of voters across the state, where they will be validated and reported to the Secretary of State. 

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