Written By: Jaidan Slowik, Staff Writer
LEGISLATION: Many changes could be on the way in our Golden State, as many propositions are up for discussion on the ballot this year.
Along with the upcoming presidential election, voters will also need to be prepared for the many propositions on California’s ballot and what changes people in the state may want to get ready for. This year 10 propositions cover a wide range of topics, including rent control, climate, criminal forced labor, same-sex marriage, minimum wage, and more.
There are many aspects to the ballot so voters may want a brief rundown of their choices for each proposition could affect them. Let’s start with Prop 2 and Prop 3. Known as the school bond, Prop 2 would provide $8.5 billion to repair and renovate facilities as well as $1.5 billion for community colleges. This includes plans ranging from removing lead from water to establishing more career and technical education services. Prop 3 would act to reaffirm the rights of those who are looking into same-sex marriage as it would repeal a previous prop that defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Thus, it would enshrine the right to same-sex marriage in the California Constitution as an inalienable right.
Now let’s take a look at the other Propositions on the ballot this year. Proposition 4 would create a $10 billion fund to be used to protect the climate and environment. It prioritizes drinking water improvement in lower-income communities. However, in slowly repaying the money, this proposition could end up costing taxpayers up to $16 billion. Prop 5 would lower the approval requirements for city and county bonds, meaning local governments would no longer need ⅔ votes to begin infrastructure projects; rather, they would only need 55%.
In California, the state’s constitution allows prisoners to be punished with involuntary work assignments where they may earn a small wage. Proposition 6 would forbid forced labor and institute a voluntary work assignment program that could take time off of sentences.
With all of the different propositions, possibly the most pressing one at this moment is the current minimum wage. California already has an incredibly high state minimum wage across the nation but if Prop 32 is passed, it could raise the minimum wage from $16 up to $18 an hour and adjust with inflation, becoming effective almost immediately. Another glaring issue in our state is the crisis when it comes to housing affordability. The rent control Proposition, Prop 33, could overthrow the Costa-Hawkins law that limits the amount a landlord can charge for rent. Prop 33 would allow any city to have complete power over the prices of all housing types. Proposition 34 is a requirement that healthcare providers spend more than $100 million on things other than direct patient care. This appears to only apply to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The decision to vote on a permanent insurance plan tax on public programs meant for low-income and disabled folk is what comes from the choice to support Prop 35 or not. This could also stop the current use of tax revenue to replace Medi-Cal’s spending. A previous proposition names most theft and drug-related crimes as misdemeanors, but this year prop 36 could reclassify these crimes, treating them as felonies once more. It would also provide drug treatment to people who don’t contest the charges and discourage the rate of shoplifting and burglaries in the state.
Propositions are important as they impact the future for all of us. Become informed citizens, because before you know it – you too will have the previledge of casting your votes.