Proposition 31 creates a two-year state budget by setting rules on how much California can spend during those two years, and by putting a limit on how much of the budget the government can cut in a financial emergency. The proposition also states that local governments can change laws concerning the budget. If the measure is passed, certain financial procedures that are usually carried out by the government and the council will not only be done by local governments, but will also be funded by the state.
Proposition 32 or the “Special Exemptions Act” makes it illegal for a worker’s union to use the union dues already deducted from an employee’s paycheck for a political purpose, like giving any amount of cash to any political candidate or their committees. If passed, the enforcement of this new law could cost state and local agencies $1 million annually.
Proposition 33 changes the current Auto Insurance law to allow insurance companies to set their prices based on whether or not a driver previously had car insurance. If the proposition is approved, insurance companies will then be able to offer discounts based on how long the customer was previously insured.
Proposition 34 is about the potential ending of the Death Penalty and replacing it with life in prison without the possibility of parole. If the measure is passed, convicts found guilty of murder will have their death sentences changed to life in prison. The measure will also force the accused to work during their time in prison to pay back any debts they owe or fines charged against them. If passed, this would help state and county criminal justice save $130 million annually within a few years.
Proposition 36 is a revised version of the earlier Proposition 184, or the “Three Strikes Law” that sentenced repeat offenders to life in prison after “three strikes” on their legal record. This new measure says that life in prison should only be used as a punishment when the crimes committed are considered “violent” or “serious.” For example, “violent” crimes currently include murder, robbery and rape, and “serious” crimes include assault, and the intent to rob someone or someplace.
Proposition 37 requires labeling for genetically modified foods. It also makes it illegal for modified food producers to advertise or label their products as natural. If the measure is passed, engineered foods that are sold in California must be specifically labeled as a genetically modified food. However, if the measure is not passed, the makers of any type of modified food would not be required to label any of their products as “modi
fied” or “synthetic.”
Proposition 38 or the “Taxes For Education” measure, will increase income taxes for all Californians earning $7,316 a year or more. If the proposition passes, the higher income tax rate will be in affect for the next 12 years, and the money that is earned from the increase would be used for schools, childcare and other early childhood programs, and for paying back state debt. If the measure is not passed, income taxes for California would remain at the same rates, and there would be no additional funding for schools. The measure also prevents the state from taking the new funds and using them to serve other purposes.
(See page 8 for more information on Prop 30)
To find out more on each of the propositions, visit https://cali.livingvotersguide.org.