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The Mesa Press

The Mesa Press

Californians to vote on six propositions this Tuesday

While+this+election+year+does+not+involve+a+presidential+election%2C+there+are+still+multiple+important+state+issues+that+voters+will+influence+on+Nov.+4.++
While this election year does not involve a presidential election, there are still multiple important state issues that voters will influence on Nov. 4.

California Proposition 1: Water Bond

CA Proposition 1 would authorize $7.12 billion in bonds to fund water quality, treatment, supply, and storage projects. Some of the infrastructure projects include drinking water protection, water supply management, ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration, and water recycling and advanced water treatment technology. This sum, upon voter approval, is to be paid back in general tax revenues in increments of $360 million over 40 years. According to the text of the measure, certain projects would be required to “provide matching funds from non-state sources” in order to receive funding.

California Proposition 2: Rainy Day Budget Stabilization Fund Act

Proposition 2 would alter requirements for California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or BSA. The BSA is the state’s rainy day fund. Prop 2 has been placed on California’s ballot by the state legislature as a constitutional amendment. The amendment would require 1.5% of the state’s general fund monies to be deposited into the BSA, as well as the income from capital gains-related taxes when the amount from those taxes is greater than 8% of the general fund. The text of the measure indicates that monies will be deposited into the BSA annually until it reaches a balance equal to 10% of the general fund.

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California Proposition 45: Public Notice Required for Insurance Company Rates Initiative

Proposition 45 would require California’s Insurance Commissioner to approve any change to health insurance rates, or anything affecting the charges associated with health insurance. Health insurance rate changes as well as the judicial review that follows would require public notice, disclosure, and hearing. This measure would not apply to employer large group health plans. Prop 45 also “prohibits health, auto, and homeowners’ insurers from determining policy eligibility or rates based on lack of prior coverage or credit history,” according to the text of the measure.

 

California Proposition 46: Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Cap and Drug Testing of Doctors

Proposition 46 would require California doctors to undergo drug and alcohol testing. Any positive test would be reported to the California Medical Board, and the doctor who tested positive would be suspended pending an investigation. Disciplinary action would be taken if it were found that the doctor was under the influence while on duty. Also included in the measure is a requirement for practitioners to consult a state prescription drug database before prescribing certain controlled substances to patients. Prop 46 would increase the $250,000 cap on pain and suffering damages in medical negligence lawsuits in order to account for inflation.

 

California Proposition 47: Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative

CA Proposition 47 would require misdemeanor instead of felony charges for selected drug possession offenses, as well as petty theft, receiving stolen property, and writing bad checks when the amount in question is $950 or less. Felony charges would hold for these offenses only if the person had been previously convicted of crimes such as rape, child molestation, murder, or is a registered sex offender. Persons currently serving felony sentences for these offenses would receive a resentencing, unless the court finds them to be a public safety risk. Savings created by this measure, according to its text, would be applied to K-12 schools, mental health and drug treatment programs, and crime victims.

 

California Proposition 48: Referendum on Indian Gaming Compacts

Proposition 48 is a veto referendum, meaning that voters are given the chance to overturn a bill that was previously signed into law. A “yes” vote will uphold the challenged legislation, while a “no” vote will overturn it. The legislation in question is the bill AB 277, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last July. AB 277 is to allow for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians to build a casino in the Central Valley, and the Wiyot Tribe to receive a portion of the profit made from the casino. The federal government has determined that a casino would be in the best interest of the tribe, and would not negatively impact its surrounding communities.

 

Source: California Official Voter Information Guide for the November 4, 2014 General Election

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