With so many misleading ads on the airwaves or in our mailboxes related to ballot initiatives to be voted on in the upcoming election, how is someone to know if they are actually voting for the position that they believe in?  Given that CV Weekly and yours truly have not received funding from any political action groups, here is our analysis of the propositions.

Prop. 30 on Taxes to Fund Education. In truth, this is on the ballot to fund shortfalls in the teacher’s pension system.  It includes 1/4% tax increase on sales and higher income taxes for those making more than $250,000.  Small business owners are against it while teacher unions are for it.

Prop. 31 on the State Budget.  A ‘yes’ creates a two-year budget process while a ‘no’ means that things stay the same.  Republicans are for 31 while Democrats oppose it.

Prop. 32 on Political Contributions. This proposition would only limit union contributions without controlling contributions by SuperPACs, business and the affluent.  A vote ‘yes’ stacks the deck in favor of business which already have a 15:1 spending advantage over the unions while a ‘no’ leaves things as is.

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Prop. 33 on Auto Insurance. On the surface, 33 looks like it will decrease costs for good drivers.  In actuality, 33 penalizes those whose policies lapse for financial or other reasons.  This proposition is supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats.

Prop. 34 on the Death Penalty.  A ‘yes’ means that you will rescind the death penalty while a ‘no’ means it stays the same.

Prop. 35 on Human Trafficking.  This increases prison sentences of those engaged in the trafficking of people and requires that they be registered as sex offenders.  This is a growing problem in Riverside County and the State in general.

Prop. 36 on the Three Strikes Law.  A ‘yes’ formalizes what most judges are currently doing which is not sentencing life prison sentences to those convicted of non-violent crimes.  Police officers urge a ‘no’ vote while many district attorneys urge a ‘yes’ vote.

Prop. 37 on Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food. If you believe that you should know what is in your food, vote ‘yes’.  Organic farmers and citizen groups urge a ‘yes’ vote while Monsanto and big pharmaceutical companies urge a ‘no’.

Prop. 38 – New Taxes for Education. Increases personal tax rates on most Californians.  The bill was created to replenish funds raided by cities for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) purposes.  CRA was meant for the creation of low to moderate income housing and the removal of blight with funds “found” by raiding property taxes meant for education.  Many cities misused the funds opting to cover annual operating expenses, building things like golf courses or buying parks already owned by the city.

Prop. 39 closes a Tax Loophole. The State already solved this loophole where out of state businesses were taxed at a lower rate than California-based businesses.  A ‘yes’ confirms the closing of the loophole while a ‘no’ might reopen it.

Prop. 40 on Redistricting. Redistricting is the process through which electoral district lines are redrawn based on population migration.  Politicians have used the process to gain political advantage over their out of power rivals forever.  A ‘yes’ reaffirms the lines chosen by an independent citizens group (hand picked by politicians) while a ‘no’ challenges these lines.  As the State Supreme Court already confirmed the lines, those urging a ‘no’ vote have abandoned their campaign.

I hope these summaries help you as you make your decisions this November (or sooner if you vote early.)  For more information on any of these Propositions, please visit www.ballotpedia.org.

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