Election: A quick post on the propositions
Remember, government won't save you. That said, we all have opinions on how to do things well today and for our kids tomorrow, so here is a quick rundown of the California Props with some loose change added:
Proposition 19
Legalizes Marijuana Under California but Not Federal Law. Permits Local Governments to Regulate and Tax Commercial Production, Distribution, and Sale of Marijuana. Initiative Statute.
Redistricting of Congressional Districts. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Establishes $18 Annual Vehicle License Surcharge to Help Fund State Parks and Wildlife Programs. Grants Surcharged Vehicles Free Admission to All State Parks. Initiative Statute.
Proposition 22
Prohibits the State from Borrowing or Taking Funds Used for Transportation, Redevelopment, or Local Government Projects and Services. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Suspends Implementation of Air Pollution Control Law (AB 32) Requiring Major Sources of Emissions to Report and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions That Cause Global Warming, Until Unemployment Drops to 5.5 Percent or Less for Full Year. Initiative Statute.
Repeals Recent Legislation That Would Allow Businesses to Lower Their Tax Liability. Initiative Statute.
Proposition 25
Changes Legislative Vote Requirement to Pass Budget and Budget-Related Legislation from Two-Thirds to a Simple Majority. Retains Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Taxes. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Requires That Certain State and Local Fees Be Approved by Two-Thirds Vote. Fees Include Those That Address Adverse Impacts on Society or the Environment Caused by the Fee-Payer's Business. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting. Consolidates Authority for Redistricting with Elected Representatives. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Proposition 19
Legalizes Marijuana Under California but Not Federal Law. Permits Local Governments to Regulate and Tax Commercial Production, Distribution, and Sale of Marijuana. Initiative Statute.
It's enough to get me into trouble, but I say vote your conscience when it comes to legalizing marijuana as an general idea. However, remain cautious on this Prop. MADD opposes it because there is no guarantees regarding DUI enforcement, and this places workplaces in a tight spot concerning drug-free regulations. Vote yes if you think that the benefits outweigh the risks, but for now I'm thinking you should probably should vote no on this one.Proposition 20
Redistricting of Congressional Districts. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
This plan removes districting from the hands of partisan politicians. Yes, I like that idea.Proposition 21
Establishes $18 Annual Vehicle License Surcharge to Help Fund State Parks and Wildlife Programs. Grants Surcharged Vehicles Free Admission to All State Parks. Initiative Statute.
I've got four kids, so don't get me wrong: parks are awesome. Politicians should not be permitted to hold our parks hostage just because we tell them "NO!" on new taxes. Along the same vein, say "NO!" to a ridiculous $18/vehicle charge. We already pay for parks, and there is no reason why politicians can't cut other expenses. Hey, I bet a couple of people in the City of Bell could fit the bill.
Proposition 22
Prohibits the State from Borrowing or Taking Funds Used for Transportation, Redevelopment, or Local Government Projects and Services. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
No - robbing Peter to pay Paul is hardly a biblical principle, let alone a sound financial one.Proposition 23
Suspends Implementation of Air Pollution Control Law (AB 32) Requiring Major Sources of Emissions to Report and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions That Cause Global Warming, Until Unemployment Drops to 5.5 Percent or Less for Full Year. Initiative Statute.
Yes, and again I say YES! AB32 will cost California another million jobs (as in "addition to") and California households thousands in additional costs. This bill does not stop AB 32, but it does push the discussion to the back burner while we focus on saving jobs. In the mean time, hopefully folks will come to their senses and realize that carbon dioxide is not pollution.Proposition 24
Repeals Recent Legislation That Would Allow Businesses to Lower Their Tax Liability. Initiative Statute.
Really? At a time when businesses are sinking and throwing employees overboard, we have this Prop trying to cease any relief effort. A big negatory on this one.
Proposition 25
Changes Legislative Vote Requirement to Pass Budget and Budget-Related Legislation from Two-Thirds to a Simple Majority. Retains Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Taxes. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Hmmm... sounds like a good idea at first, but their is no guarantee against a simple majority (let's say, I don't know, Democrats) wouldn't pass a spending hike and then later come back in a couple of years with a bigger cry for tax hikes. Yes, there is a problem with how things are running now, but this is not the answer (as in no).Proposition 26
Requires That Certain State and Local Fees Be Approved by Two-Thirds Vote. Fees Include Those That Address Adverse Impacts on Society or the Environment Caused by the Fee-Payer's Business. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
"I have an idea: It's not a tax if we call it a fee, and then all we need is a simple majority!" "Bravo, good show!"
Vote yes to stop the games.Proposition 27
Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting. Consolidates Authority for Redistricting with Elected Representatives. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
No. Does there need to be any explanation?A couple other guides and opinions on the Props (I'm not responsible for your clicking):
