SBGrapevine Proposition Voting Guide

On November 2, 2010, California voters will not only be casting a ballot in important races such as such as for governor and United States senator, but also must decide on nine propositions ranging from the legalization of Marijuana to redistricting.  Ballot measures can be confusing, especially with the tactics used by special interests to influence voters.  Yes becomes no and no becomes yes.

SBGrapevine would like for you to consider the following when making your decision:

Proposition 19—Legalize and Tax Marijuana—No Position

Perhaps the most controversial proposition on the ballot, Proposition 19, would legalize and tax the sale of Marijuana, which will be in conflict with federal law.  Arguments against the proposition have bordered on silly with opponents claiming that school teachers and school bus driver’s could light up during their lunch breaks.

It is difficult for us to support legalization of a drug that is addictive  and can be harmful but it is also difficult for us to continue to support the hundreds of millions of dollars spent each year enforcing current laws and jailing those who do not abide by them for a drug that is little different than a similar legal drug—alcohol.  Therefore, we are taking no position on this proposition.

Proposition 20—Congressional District Lines to be Drawn by Committee—Yes

Proposition 20 extends the redistricting reforms voters approved in 2008 when they passed Proposition 11.  The independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will be charged with drawing congressional districts in addition to drawing state legislative districts.  It takes redistricting out of the hands of politicians, who have gerrymandered California’s districts for years.  It will help reduce the number of “safe” districts where the opposing party has little chance of being elected.

Proposition 21—Increase Vehicle License Fees by $18 to Fund State Parks—No

This is yet another tax to add to the burden of one of the highest taxed electorates in the country.

Proposition 22—State Government Prohibited from Taking Designated Types of Local Funds—Yes

State legislators have come to rely on raiding local governments as a means to balance the state’s budget.  Proposition 22 would prevent them from continuing with this practice which has depleted funding for roads, police and fire, and others services local governments are charged with providing its citizens.

Proposition 23—Suspend the Global Warming Solutions Act—Yes

The Global Warming Solutions Act was signed into law in 2006 before the economy sank to near-depression levels.  The act is a job killer in this economy.  Proposition 23 suspends the act until the economy improves and unemployment figures reach 5.5 or less for a full year.

Proposition 24—Eliminate Three Business Tax Breaks—No

Proposition closes absolutely no loopholes nor does it guarantee that a single extra dollar will be spent on education or law enforcement.  It will mean approximately $1.7 billion in extra taxes for consumers and employers each year.

Proposition 25—Allows the State Budget to be Passed with a Simple Majority Instead of the Current Two-Thirds Vote—No

Due to the current makeup of the California Legislature, which is not expected to change substantially in the next decade, this bill will allow one party to control the budget without interference by the other party.  Under this proposition, a state budget could be passed without a single Republican lawmaker voting in favor of it.

Proposition 26—Voters Must Give Permission before Any New Taxes Can Be Imposed—Yes

This measure would redefine many “fees” or “charges” as taxes thus requiring that they be passed by a two-thirds majority rather than a simple majority as is currently the case.  It would affect fees both at the state and local levels.  It gives citizens more say as to any new “fees.”

Proposition 27—Return the Process of Redistricting to the California Legislature, Repeals Proposition 11—No

This proposition will take redistricting out of the hands of the Citizens Redistricting Commission and place it back with the California Legislature.  As noted above for Proposition 20, California lawmakers have traditionally gerrymandered district lines so that many Assembly and Senate seats are “safe,” meaning that there is no point in the opposition party mounting a serious campaign.  Legislators like it that way and want to regain that power.  This proposition will give it back to them and take it away from the citizens.