California 2016 ballot propositions

[headoverheels 291]

As usual, we have numerous state propositions on the ballot. Nightingale used to do a good summary and review.

Attached is a graph of poll results from a few days ago. I'm with the majority on 5, against on 4, and tied (as is everyone) on prop 61.

There are also a number of local ballot issues here in San Jose, anything from the usual school bonds, to sales tax increase, to revising the way city employees can negotiate benefits.

Perhaps unusual for me, I voted against the one proposal for gun control. Actually ammo control. Didn't seem that useful to me.

Also a bit odd, I voted against extending the previously approved increases for the state income tax on the highest earners. Odd because I voted for them when I was paying the top rates, but now am unemployed and both my wife and I will retire in January, so I won't be paying the top rates any longer.

I'm also very much against cigarettes, but voted against raising the taxes on those. I likely would have supported a smaller increase.

[billvon 2,400]

Here's a quick list along with my notes. I am pretty close to the League of Women Voters recommendations overall.

Prop 51 makes $9B to build and improve schools. Fiscally, the biggest measure on the ballot. $9B + $8B interest.
BVN -> Leaning towards no. Very needed improvements but too much money for the work. Needs more research.

Prop 52 continues a mechanism that makes money for hospitals
Hospitals make over $3 billion by doing THIS ONE THING. OMG CLICK.
BVN - > Yes. It works now and doesn't cost CA much.

Prop 53 requires state infrastructure projects over $2B to be voter approved
This could put a stop to the SF to LA Bullet Train.
BVN - > No. Keep local control over local funding.

Prop 54 requires that before voting, bills be frozen and made public
Seems simple, but those against it say it'll open it up for lobbyists.
BVN -> Yes. Better visibility into the legislative process.

Prop 55 extends an income tax for high income earners
Do you know what tax bracket you fall under?
BVN - > Yes. We have it now; it works.

Prop 56 increases the tobacco tax by $2
This will also loop in the currently untaxed e-cigarettes.
BVN -> Yes. Will reduce teen smoking starts.

Prop 57 makes it easier for nonviolent offenders to get parole
It's a thin line between violent and non-violent (and the Hamburglar straddles it)
BVN - >Yes. The number of nonviolent offenders we have in prison is staggering.

Prop 58 gives local control on how to teach English-learners
1.4 million students (1 in 5) aren't fluent in English. How should they learn English?
BVN - > Yes. Give teachers and schools local control over how they teach ESL.

Prop 59 tells the state government what you think about Citizens United
Pass or fail, this measure literally has no legal impact.
BVN - > No. Meaningless.

Prop 60 requires pornstars to wear condoms (during sex)
Seems like a good idea, so why are many against it?
BVN - > No. Not a problem now; fixing a problem that doesn't exist.

Prop 61 might lower drug prices for state agencies
This prop has the most campaign spending in CA history.
BVN -> No. This could be a poster child for the law of unintended consequences.

prop 62 & 66 either repeals or speeds up the death penalty
If both pass, the one with the most votes determines the future of the death penalty.
BVN - > No on both. Both are terribly written proposals, and if both pass no one will know what it means.

prop 64 legalizes marijuana
If this passes, guess how many plants you'd be allowed to grow at home.
BVN - > Leaning yes. The impact on health will be significant and may not balance the (significant) benefits in income, personal freedom and crime reduction.

Prop 63 creates stricter laws around ammunition
New license to buy ammo, instant background checks, and no online shipping.
BVN -> No. Legal requirement to confiscate weapons from felons is good, but ammo/magazine limits just don't work.

prop 67 & 65 bans plastic bags statewide and redirects the 10 cents
BVN -> No on both.

[lummy 4]

ballot.fyi has good summaries while also listing the various pros/cons of each prposition

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[yoink 321]

I disagree with Bill on a couple, but we're largely on the same page.


Prop 51 makes $9B to build and improve schools.
YOINK -> No. There’s not enough specification of exactly how such a large amount of money would be spent. This should be subdivided into numerous smaller proposals.

Prop 52 continues a mechanism that makes money for hospitals
YOINK - > Yes.

Prop 53 requires state infrastructure projects over $2B to be voter approved
YOINK - > Absolutely not. Joe public shouldn’t have direct control over infrastructure projects.

Prop 54 requires that before voting, bills be frozen and made public
Seems simple, but those against it say it'll open it up for lobbyists.
YOINK -> Yes.

Prop 55 extends an income tax for high income earners
Do you know what tax bracket you fall under?
YOINK - > Yes.

Prop 56 increases the tobacco tax by $2
This will also loop in the currently untaxed e-cigarettes.
YOINK -> Yes.

Prop 57 makes it easier for nonviolent offenders to get parole
It's a thin line between violent and non-violent (and the Hamburglar straddles it)
YOINK - >Uncertain, but probably No. I think the $8 to $10m saving could easier be found elsewhere.

Prop 58 gives local control on how to teach English-learners
1.4 million students (1 in 5) aren't fluent in English. How should they learn English?
YOINK - > Uncertain. I’m concerned it’d promote segregation. I need to think about this one some more.

Prop 59 tells the state government what you think about Citizens United
Pass or fail, this measure literally has no legal impact.
YOINK - > Completely pointless. No.

Prop 60 requires pornstars to wear condoms (during sex)
Seems like a good idea, so why are many against it?
YOINK - > No. This is a great example of putting unnecessary rules in place for the hell of it.

Prop 61 might lower drug prices for state agencies
This prop has the most campaign spending in CA history.
YOINK -> No. But only because I want to see more research on it. I think I don’t understand it well enough.

prop 62 & 66 either repeals or speeds up the death penalty
If both pass, the one with the most votes determines the future of the death penalty.
YOINK - > No and No

prop 64 legalizes marijuana
If this passes, guess how many plants you'd be allowed to grow at home.
YOINK - > No. Heath and social costs don’t outweigh the tax benefits. Put more tax on gas if we need extra income.

Prop 63 creates stricter laws around ammunition
New license to buy ammo, instant background checks, and no online shipping.
YOINK -> No. Such a half-arsed cop-out measure that I’m embarrassed by it.

prop 67 & 65 bans plastic bags statewide and redirects the 10 cents
YOINK -> No on both.

[wmw999 2,123]

One of my many cousins lives in California. She said that one of her biggest drivers for propositions was the number of major supporters. She doesn't want to vote for ballot propositions that lone individuals or companies were able to buy.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)