Election 2010 California Propositions Cheat Sheet
HAPPY ELECTION DAY CALIFORNIANS!
Here’s your handy guide to those confusing props. After doing hours of research here’s my two cents to help you make an informed decision as you rock your vote! -Hunter
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.
Proponents say it will offer relief to overburdened law enforcement and correctional facilities, undermine criminal/gang drug distribution and will bring in billions of dollars in tax revenue. Opponents say it is a poorly written law failing to have a similar centralized structure to alcohol taxation while having no ability to stop people from smoking before driving.
My 2 cents: Anyone in California who desires marijuana can currently obtain it almost as easily as alcohol. Hence, It is my opinion that in a cash-strapped economy our resources need to be focused on high priority crimes. Instead of spending money on prosecuting marijuana, the government should make money controlling it. Prop 19 is far from perfect but rarely has any initial piece of progressive legislation. This is a first step that should be taken, allowing for perfection to take place as we figure out the laws strengths and weaknesses. YES ON 19.
20 – REDISTRICTING OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Instead of representatives being able to draw their own districts, a theoretically-impartial group of citizens will draw district lines.
We need politicians wooing the consensus of all citizens, not just the ones that agree with the. I don’t like unelected committees making public policy, but trying to win a competition in which you pick the judges makes even less sense. Yes on 20.
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.
Public parks are only around because we feel preservation and access to nature’s beauty is important. If we do not fund these parks they will disappear and they are currently in desperate need of funding. It is not my preference to have an additional fee on my car but if you attend the park once a year the cost is pretty much covered. YES ON 21.
22 – PROHIBITS THE STATE FROM BORROWING OR TAKING FUNDS USED FOR TRANSPORTATION, REDEVELOPMENT, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS AND SERVICES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Keeps State government from taking money from local governments funds.
We need representatives’ to figure out ways to raise money and not just move it around, hence I’m for Prop 22 in principle. But many social services like schools and fire departments would lose funding if 22 passes. Considering the state of the economy this may not be the right time to tinker with the way social services are funded. I’m torn on 22. (But I’m leaning towards No… this time)
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.
Funded by two Texas oil companies who want to crush California’s upcoming green regulations in order to avoid fees and fines for pollution. It says it will keep jobs in California, but in fact, it will hinder the state from competing in the new green sector killing the possibility of an entire industry of new jobs. NO NO NO… NO ON 23.
24 – REPEALS RECENT LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW BUSINESSES TO LOWER THEIR TAX LIABILITY. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
It is hard to define the impact of this law. California’s taxes and red tape are already not very business friendly. At this time, I think it is an error to make California less business-friendly. NO ON 24.
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.
Our legislature has been in a deadlock unable to accomplish anything. This prop makes it easier for government to move forward with votes, and holds politicians accountable if they choose to grandstand rather than compromise. If this passes hopefully we can make some progress. YES ON 25.
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.
Just another big oil and tobacco stinker, trying to avoid fees and fines regarding their product. NO ON 26.
27 – ELIMINATES STATE COMMISSION ON REDISTRICTING. CONSOLIDATES AUTHORITY FOR REDISTRICTING WITH ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.
A counter-attack for prop 20 attempting to remove the committee that will redraw district lines if prop 20 passes. NO ON 27 (But yes on 20).
NOW GET OUT THERE AND ROCK THAT VOTE!
