Saturday Politics: Ballot Measures Preview

There are often numerous ballot initiatives on California statewide election ballots and this November will be no exception. So far there are expected to be ten ballot measures that voters will consider:

WATER BOND -- Authorizes $11.14 billion in bonds for state water projects, including storage, conservation, groundwater protection, and recycling.

MARIJUANA -- Allows people 21 or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use, subject to regulation and taxation. Prohibits use in public or when minors are present. Prohibits providing marijuana to anyone under 21.

CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING -- Transfers redistricting authority for congressional districts from the state legislature to the Citizens Redistricting Commission that was established by Proposition 11 (2008).

LOCAL GOVERNMENT -- Prohibits state from shifting, taking, borrowing, or restricting use of revenues dedicated to local government services, community redevelopment projects, and transportation projects and services. Prohibits the state from delaying distribution of tax revenues for these purposes.

SURCHARGE FOR PARKS -- Establishes $18 annual state vehicle license surcharge to be used solely to operate, maintain, and repair the state park system, and protect wildlife and natural resources. Grants free admission to all state parks to vehicles paying the surcharge. Exempts commercial vehicles, trailers, and trailer coaches.

SUSPENSION OF GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION LAW -- Suspends the state's greenhouse gas reduction law until California's unemployment rate has been 5.5 percent or less for four consecutive quarters. Suspends requirements for increased renewable energy and cleaner fuel, as well as mandatory emission reporting and fee requirements for major polluters such as power plants and oil refineries.

CORPORATE TAXES -- Repeals recent legislation which lowered corporate taxes by allowing businesses to shift operating losses to prior tax years; expanding the time in which losses can be shifted; allowing businesses to share tax credits with affiliated corporations; and allowing multi-state companies to use a sales-based income calculation rather than one based on property, payroll, and sales.

2/3 VOTE FOR LEVIES AND CHARGES -- Increases to two-thirds, from a simple majority, the vote required for the legislature to adopt state levies and charges, with limited exceptions. Requires two-thirds vote of the public for local levies and charges, with limited exceptions.

MAJORITY VOTE FOR STATE BUDGET -- Lowers the legislative vote required for adopting a state budget from two-thirds to a simple majority.

REPEAL OF REDISTRICTING COMMISSION -- Eliminates the Citizens Redistricting Commission that was established by Proposition 11 (2008), and returns the job of drawing state legislative and board of equalization districts to the Legislature

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