This November 8, 17 propositions are on the California ballot. We have studied them and made our recommendations.
Proposition 51 – Would provide $9 billion of bond funds for school buildings over 35 years. School districts have put many projects and programs on holds waiting for the state to be more solvent, this would finally provide that much-needed funding. VOTE YES
Proposition 52 – This is a formula developed to match hospital fees with federal dollars and funds as a Medi-Cal boost. It is working; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. VOTE YES
Proposition 53 – This would require bonds for big projects (like high speed rail and Delta water projects) to get approved by a vote of the people. VOTE YES
Proposition 54 – For government transparency, this would require proposed legislation to be posted online, for at three days straight before it can be passed. VOTE YES
Proposition 55 – This was a temporary tax on high earners to help the state during the recession years. The measure would continue it. Because it was passed as a temporary tax, in all fairness it should be allowed to end as promised. Proposition 51 would provide the funds for schools. VOTE NO
Proposition 56 – Adds $2 a pack to cigarettes and also increase e-cigarette prices proportionally. The money goes to fund additional health care. The increase is designed to discourage smoking, especially among teens. VOTE YES
Proposition 57 – Returns the decision on time served for non-violent crimes and earlier parole back to judges, instead of prosecutors. VOTE YES
Proposition 58 – Removes the requirement for a waiver for English learning students who want to take bi-lingual classes. VOTE YES
Proposition 59 – A waste of time. A non-binding knee-jerk reaction to the Supreme Court ruling that gave corporations rights to participate in elections. It asks for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United Ruling. But, did I mention, it was non-binding? VOTE NO
Proposition 60 – Legislation to require adult film makers to require condoms. The problem is, this is enforced by allowing every citizen in the state the right to file a lawsuit. The requirement is not a bad idea but this is bad legislation. The enforcement should be done with legislation of health and safety codes. VOTE NO
Proposition 61 – Another badly written, knee-jerk piece of legislation, it only affects a very narrow group of citizens and could well result in drug companies raising prices. VOTE NO
Proposition 62 – Would eliminate the death penalty in California VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE
Proposition 66 – Would expedite the death penalty in California. VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE
Proposition 63 – Would require a Department of Justice permit to purchase ammunition. Could very well stop sudden-anger-based or spur-of-the moment gun violence. Does not infringe on the right to have a gun. VOTE YES
Proposition 64 – Would finally give direction for the regulation and sale of marijuana and brings significant tax revenue to the state. Face it, marijuana is already commonplace and easily available. VOTE YES
Proposition 65 – This was put on the ballot by plastic bag makers to punish retailers. VOTE NO
Proposition 67 – To ban plastic bags, VOTE YES on 67 and NO on 65
CHECK ONLINE FOR OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS
