STANISLAUS CONNECTIONS

Working For Peace, Justice, and A Sustainable Environment

A Modesto Peace/Life Center Publication

Elections 2002

State Ballot Measures need your attention

Voters make direct decisions: Propositions 46 through 52 need your attention Nov. 5

By MYRTLE OSNER

 Proposition 46: authorizes the sale of $ 2 billion, 100 million in general obligation bonds to be used in housing assistance. The money will be used for:

• Multifamily housing loans to build low income housing.

• Homeownership programs, down payment assistance, eligibility based on buyer’s income, among other criteria

• Farmworker Housing.

• Other programs, including homeless shelters, repairs and accessibility needs, etc.

Bonds are the way the state borrows money. Supporters say that, in addition to providing safe housing and loans to people who cannot afford today’s prices, this measure is needed since all bond funds for subsidized housing have been exhausted. Opponents say it would cost too much.

Proposition 47: Another bond measure, authorizing the state to sell $13 billion, 50 million in general obligation bonds for construction and renovation of K-12 schools and higher education facilities. Schools are also funded by local bonds, but supporters say state money is also desperately needed. Opponents again argue that the state shouldn’t go into debt to build schools.

Proposition 48: amends the state Constitution to remove wording referring to municipal courts, which no longer exist in California. It’s a “cleanup” amendment but opponents say counties might want to re-establish municipal courts, since those judges don’t get paid as much (among other reasons).

Proposition 49: Provides state grants for before and after school programs and Safe Neighborhood partnership programs. This is a very complex measure which earmarks funds and takes away the ability of the legislature to make any budget changes that might be necessary in future. Opponents say it takes a single program and sets it apart from all other needs funded by tax dollars.

Proposition 50: This initiative statute is another bond measure which allows the state to borrow $3.44 billion in general obligation bonds for water quality, safe drinking water, bay-delta restoration and other water quality and supply programs. Proponents say this is needed to remove pollutants from our drinking water, protect our beaches, wetlands, lakes and streams. But opponents say no new water will be developed, although proponents say it will create new water supplies. Chief opponents include several taxpayers association.

Proposition 51: Another initiative which redirects 30 percent of sales tax revenue from lease and sale of new and used motor vehicles, taking it out of the general fund and applying it to such items as mass transit, replacement of some school buses, senior and disabled transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvements. This would earmark funds so that the legislature (and the people) would have no control over how it is spent, the chief argument against the measure. Supporters believe that more money needs to go to the programs listed above, which they say is not a priority in government now.

Proposition 52: An initiative that says legally eligible California residents should be allowed to vote on election day, when presenting proof of residence. Now they must register 15 days in advance, and no proof of residence is required when registering. It is said that counties would not incur additional costs. There would also be penalties for voter fraud in this measure.

For further information, pick up the free “Pros and Cons of the Ballot Measures”, a publication of the League of Women Voters of California, available at all Stanislaus County libraries, courtesy of the local League. Space in this paper is limited and you may need more guidance than the ballot pamphlet provides. If all else fails, call the local League, 524-1698, Modesto.

More info: see the League of Women Voters Smart Voter website