Slackers, granolas, movie stars, potheads, surfers and nerds, and also Carissa, here’s your November 6 election exceedingly partisan voter guide. I have not even attempted to paint a fair representation of each side of any debate.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS, NOVEMBER 2012
Proposition 30: Sales and Income Tax Increase YES
What is it? Sales tax will be increased a teensy bit (from 7.25% to 7.5% for 4 years). Incomes higher than $250,000 will be taxed an additional 1-3% higher than the current rates, for 7 years and apply retroactively to January 1, 2012. This proposition is in direct competition with Prop 38. The $50 billion projected revenue generated from the tax increases will go directly to education, public safety, and balancing the state budget and come from primarily households pulling in more than $250,000/year. $6 billion in educational tax cuts will be stopped, helping to reduce class-size and improve materials in all classrooms. “Jerry Brown’s Tax Increase” is supported by the LA Times, The League of Women Voters, and the CA Teachers Association.
Proposition 31: Two-Year State Budget Cycle NO
What is it? Establishes a two-year state budget cycle. Requires offsetting of funds for expenditures over $25 million and additional oversight for state and local programs. Requires the publication of all bills at least 3 days prior to a vote by the state legislature. Gives additional powers to the governor in times of crises and counties the ability to alter statutes, so long as changes are not vetoed by the state. . Creates more confusion than reform, giving unelected officials more sway than intended. Will do more harm than good in the arenas of education and public safety. Perceived as a band-aid fix for a hemorrhaging education budget. Opposition includes The League of Women Voters and the CA Democratic Party. It’s supported by the CA Republican Party.
Proposition 32: Ban on Corporate/Union Contributions to State/Local Candidates NO
What is it? Bans the use of union pay-roll deductions to fund political agenda (alternate hook “Paycheck Protection Initiative”). Bans corporate and union contributions to candidates as well as government contractor contributions to politicians that control the approval of their contracts. Does not affect the rich folks, the SUPER PACs or large corporations, leaving them free to garner political support through donations while the un-rich, the blue-collar unions and other local businesses are shut out. Detractors include The League of Women Voters, the Los Angeles Times, and the CA Democratic Party. Supported by the CA Republican Party.
Proposition 33: Auto Insurance Persistency Discounts NO
What is it? A persistency discount is defined as a discount given to a customer for keeping a policy in force with the same insurer for a particular number of years. California insurance providers are currently able to provide persistency discounts for drivers that have maintained coverage (aka followed California law) through their company exclusively. This bill allows insurance providers to extend the discounts to new customers, based on their previous 5 years of coverage through any company, and penalize a new customer for not maintaining coverage during the five years prior to seeking coverage, whether or not they were even driving. The proposition is funded primarily by insurance companies and supported by The American Legion, the VFW of CA, the CA Republican Party. Detractors include the LA Times and the CA Democratic Party.
Proposition 34: End the Death Penalty YES
What is it? Replaces the death penalty with life in prison with no possibility of parole. Applies retroactively to all death sentences. Additionally, $100 million in funds will be directed to local law enforcement for the investigation of rape and homicide cases. Prevents executing the wrongfully accused. There have been many cases where a death row inmate has been found innocent and released. Convicts would be required to work in prison and pay victim families retribution. Supporters claim a savings of $130 million per year. Those in support of the bill include The League of Women Voters, the LA Times, and the CA Democratic Party.
Proposition 35: Prohibition of Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery YES
What is it? Increases penalties for human trafficking and sex slavery as well as requires convicted human traffickers to register as sex offenders. The increase in fines will go directly to victim resources and funding investigations. More prison and fines for the “bad guys.” More resources and protection for victims and potential victims. A rarity—the bill is endorsed by both the CA Democratic and Republican Parties.
Proposition 36: Repeal of the “Three Strikes” Law YES
What is it? Modifies the 1994 “Three Strikes Law” mandating life sentences for criminals convicted of three-plus violent or nonviolent felonies. Prop 36 would seek to invoke a life sentence for serious or violent crimes only. Current convicts would be allowed to seek resentencing. The potential savings are reported to be anywhere from $70-$200 million per year. Refocuses the Three Strikes Law on serious violent offenders, ensuring that “the punishment fits the crime.” Non-violent criminals can be resentenced to shorter terms and savings to the state could be drastic. Endorsed by the LA Times and the CA Democratic Party.
Proposition 37: Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods YES
What is it? Requires labeling of foods genetically modified in certain ways and prohibits them from being labeled as “natural.” Consumers have the “right to know!” The bill doesn’t require a judgement on genetically modified foods, simply a disclosure so that shoppers can make their own decisions.
Proposition 38: Tax Increase to Support Education I DON’T KNOW!
What is it? Raises taxes on most Californians for 12 years for approximately $120 billion in additional revenue, used exclusively for schools and early childhood programs. This proposition is in direct competition with Prop 30. Restores education budget cuts and ensures funds are managed on a local level for maximum benefit to communities. Income taxes will increase, even on the lowest of tax brackets, dampening the economy, small businesses, etc. The bill states no expectation of improved student performance, and the 12-year plan is unchangeable by anything but a public vote. Funds go directly to local governments, bypassing the state and regional “big picture.” Supporters of Prop 30 are against this conflicting bill.
Proposition 39: Tax Increase for Multistate Businesses YES
What is it? Currently, out-of-state businesses may choose the lesser of two methods to pay income taxes: either the “three-factor method” (takes into account CA sales, property, and employees) or the “single sales factor method,” which takes into account California sales ONLY. Prop 39 seeks to abolish the three-factor method, resulting in $1 billion of inreased revenue annually. These funds are reserved for clean energy and energy efficiency funding for the first 5 years the initiative is in effect. It’s not a tax increase – it’s a loo phole closing and leveling of the playing field for in-state, out-of-state businesses. The increased revenues will go directly to green job creation (projected 40,000 additional jobs). Backed by the LA Times. Oppossed by the CA Republican Party.
Proposition 40: Referendum on the State Senate Redistricting Plan YES
What is it? The only veto referendum on the ballot, Prop 40 initially sought to undermine the district lines put forth by the Citizens Redistricting Commission. Since qualifying for the ballot, the State Supreme Court has upheld the district lines for 2012, and the forces behind the referendum have stopped campaigning for the veto. The measure remains on the ballot. The bill sought for redistricting in 2012, and the Supreme Court’s decision has made this vote null.
For those in the Fightin’ 51st, I support Luis Lopez for Assembly
