SST Script.md

Let’s talk about taxes!

In 2022, Torrance was in a tough spot. For a whole bunch of reasons, the city had been forced to reach into the rainy day piggy bank. At the lowest point, the unassigned balance in the SST sub-fund was down to just $514,074. In order to fill the piggy back up, a 0.5 cent sales tax increase was proposed, Measure SST. Safe Strong Torrance, 

This brought the Torrance sales tax to 10.25%, which is actually lower than the rates in cities like Gardena and Hawthorne. However, a few of our fun friends in city hall didn’t like this idea. I get it, increasing taxes isn’t fun and the city doesn’t want to scare away businesses. Unfortunately, all the nice stuff cities have costs money.

Clip of mattucci, Chen, Kaji not regretting their votes against SST

Since starting in October 2022, SST has brought in the bacon. It is currently generating over $26.1 million a year for Torrance. That money has gone to police, fire, and essential city services. I’m not a genius business boy, but when a city doesn’t pay police officers or can’t clean up the trash, it probably isn’t good for business. This money saved or 45 police officer positions and 8 firefighters.

If I’m wrong and SST was a bad idea, I’d ask y'all to try to repeal it! If we have already attracted so many businesses to Torrance, HOORAY let’s save Torrance from extra taxes! **I bet you won’t**. Because you know we need SST and couldn’t survive without it.

Check my sources at the link above tinyurl.com/sst-torrance
I want the people who hold Torrance together to be paid well. I want our city to have the resources it needs I’d like the members of City Council to be able to make hard decisions and do basic math. But what do I know, I’m just a boring Dad on the internet.