Earlier quoted context omitted.
Property tax on owner-occupied residential property everywhere should have a "replace it with a lien against the property" option - some states have it. The exact situation you're referring to caused Prop 13 in CA, and something has to be done before something like that gets enacted.
California has the California Tax Postponement Program which predates Prop 13 and specifically protects poor old grandma. Prop 13 wasn't passed as a law to help the unfortunate. It was anti tax hatred of the government. Jarvis wanted a "tax revolt" which is why all property in the state, even oil fields and golf courses, gets the tax break.
No, but it was sold to the public that way of course.