State Measures

Proposition 1A: YES

Proposition 1A would reduce the state's ability to control local taxes. This will prevent the state from taking local funds to balance its budget and allow local governments to use their tax money to satisfy needs specific to their communities.

Vote Yes on Proposition 1A.

Proposition 59: YES

Proposition 59 would make a law requiring government meetings and writings of public officials be available to the public a part of the state constitution. Being able to view the actions of our government is our right as a governed body.

Vote Yes on Proposition 59.

Proposition 60: YES

Proposition 60 would ensure that the winning candidate from every party in the primary election will be on the November ballot. This proposition is opposed to Proposition 62. This system of selecting candidates better serves the purpose of democracy by allowing all parties representation in November.

Vote Yes on Proposition 60.

Proposition 60A: YES

Proposition 60A would allow surplus state property to be sold to pay off Proposition 57 bonds. This proposition could save the state millions because the bonds will accrue less interest if paid off quickly.

Vote Yes on Proposition 60A.

Proposition 61: NO

Proposition 61 calls for the sale of $750 million in bonds to fund the expansion of children's hospitals. But given that this proposition would cost the state an estimated $50 million a year, this proposition is not fiscally responsible at this time.

Vote No on Proposition 61.

Proposition 62: NO

Proposition 62 would alter the election process so only the two candidates-with the exception of presidential and party central committee candidates-who receive the most votes in the primaries would appear on the November ballot. This limits political diversity represented on the actual ballot come November. Proposition 60 offers a better solution to the same problem.

Vote No on Proposition 62.

Proposition 63: YES

Proposition 63 would impose an additional 1 percent income tax on earnings over $1 million to pay for new and expanded care options for the mentally ill. The amount a single tax-payer will pay is minimal.

Vote Yes on Proposition 63.

Proposition 64: NO

Proposition 64 would no longer allow individuals to sue for unfair business practices. Only government lawyers could file suits on behalf of the public; private individuals could sue if they had been injured or lost money. This would set a dangerous precedent and place a private responsibility in the hands of an impersonal bureaucracy.

Vote No on Proposition 64.

Proposition 65: NO

Proposition 65 would require the state to get voter approval before taking tax dollars from local governments. The issues Proposition 65 seeks to resolve are better covered by 1A. The group that introduced Proposition 65 now supports 1A.

Vote No on Proposition 65.

Proposition 66: YES

Proposition 66 would change the "Three Strikes" law so only serious felonies would be "strikes," not any felony. It would also institute longer sentences for sex crimes against children. Nonviolent "Three Strikes" convicts could get reduced sentences. This is an appropriate fix to a uniformly harsh law.

Vote Yes on Proposition 66.

Proposition 67: NO

Proposition 67 would add a three percent tax on in-state phone calls, with no limit on cellular and business phones. The money would go towards emergency medical services. This unfairly taxes businesses and consumers.

Vote No on Proposition 67.

Proposition 68: NO

Proposition 68 would keep slot machines exclusive to Indian lands if all tribes agree to pay 25 percent of their profits to the state. If they do not all agree, 30,000 slot machines would be permitted off of tribal lands. It is unlikely that all the tribes will agree, resulting in slot machines off reservation land.

Vote No on Proposition 68.

Proposition 69: YES

Proposition 69 would expand DNA collection to include people arrested for any felony. Currently, only those convicted of a serious felony must give DNA samples. This would be helpful in convicting felons and solving crimes.

Vote Yes on Proposition 69.

Proposition 70: NO

Proposition 70 would allow Indian tribes to create a 99-year arrangement with the state, in which the tribe would have unlimited casinos and slot machines. In exchange, the tribe would pay the normal business tax rate on its profits. The potential for unlimited casino expansion is not worth the potential for financial benefit.

Vote No on Proposition 70.

Proposition 71: YES

Proposition 71 would provide $3 billion from the sale of bonds for the funding of stem cell research. In addition, it would add the right to conduct stem cell research to the state constitution. We support stem cell research because of the medical breakthroughs it could enable. This proposition would make California a leader in stem cell research.

Vote Yes on Proposition 71.

Proposition 72: NO

Proposition 72 would require companies with more than 50 employees to provide health coverage or contribute to a state program to purchase health coverage. The state lacks the funds to effectively institute and maintain this program.

Vote No on Proposition 72.

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