california

There are 11 propositions on the ballot for November (2012). Here is how I will be voting along with a short comment as to why.

• Proposition 30 -- No
  Temporary Taxes to Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

  We do not need to be taxed any more!!! As one of the arguments against this proposition states, "We already have the 2nd highest state income tax rate, as well as THE highest state sales tax rate." Businesses are already failing or moving out of state. We don't need to push them even harder.

• Proposition 31 -- No
  State Budget. State and Local Government. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

  There are a lot of things that sound good in this proposition. However, I am very concerned about the reach of this proposition. It not only changes the rules at the state level, but also at the local level as well.

• Proposition 32 -- Yes
  Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction. Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute.

  I am supporting this for one reason. No one should have the right to take money out of my paycheck for political purposes unless I say it is okay. It is that simple!

• Proposition 33 -- Yes
  Auto Insurance Companies. Prices based on Driver's History of Insurance Coverage. Initiative Statute.

  Competition in business is always a good thing for the consumer.

• Proposition 34 -- No
  Death Penalty. Initiative Statute

  I support the death penalty. However, in California, those who oppose the death penalty have already ensured that it will rarely, if ever, happen. The fact that there has only been 13 executions in the last 46 years is proof of that.

• Proposition 35 -- Yes
  Human Trafficking. Penalties. Initiative Statute.

  We need to get tougher on those who commit these types of crimes.

• Proposition 36 -- No
  Three Strikes Law. Repeat Felony Offenders. Penalties. Initiative Statute.

  We do not need to weaken the Three Strikes Law. It is serving us well!!!

• Proposition 37 -- No
  Genetically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative Statute.

  I am opposing this primarily due to Section 110809.4. Enforcement which opens the door to numerous lawsuits because of incorrect labeling especially when the benefit from that labeling requirement is minimal.

• Proposition 38 -- No
  Tax to Fund Education and Early Childhood Programs. Initiative Statute.

  We do not need to be taxed any more!!!

• Proposition 39 -- No
  Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses. Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funding. Initiative Statute.

  This is a transfer of wealth from successful businesses to fund clean energy. The loss to the successful businesses will result in people losing their jobs. We need to focus on creating jobs, not becoming number 1 in the nation in terms of unemployment!

• Proposition 40 -- Yes
  Redistricting. State Senate Districts. Referendum.

  As Julie Vandermost, the official sponsor of the proposition, states, "This measure is not needed and we are no longer asking for a NO vote." I'm curious to see how many still vote No.

There is a battle waging here in California for political control of this State. And, the results of Proposition 32 will determine that control for years to come.

There are many who believe that the political actions within this State are heavily influenced by the unions, especially the CTA (California Teachers Association), and have been for many years. Proposition 32 addresses this by making all contributions for political activity to unions or corporations voluntary.

And, there are others who believe it is large corporations who have the strongest influence. Proposition 32 addresses that as well as contributions to state and local candidates are prohibited with the passage of this proposition. Both unions and corporations will be allowed to fund PACs (Political Action Committees), but direct support of state and local candidates will be prohibited.

There have been a couple attempts within the last 15 years attempting to accomplish the goals in Proposition 32. However, each meet their demise at the hands of the unions who spent millions in ensuring their defeat. And, once again, the unions are spending millions (approximately $40 million to date, $16 million from the CTA alone) to defeat Proposition 32.

I will be voting yes on Proposition 32 for one reason and one reason only. I believe no one has the right to take money directly from a person's paycheck without their consent. In this case, it is not uncommon for unions to take funds from their members paychecks specifically for political purposes. If a member voluntarily provides those funds, so be it. And, that is exactly what this measure does. It requires all political contributions to be voluntary.

It is time we level the political landscape here in California. It is time the citizens of this state to have a louder voice than the unions and corporations funding the campaigns of state and local politicians.

Vote Yes on Proposition 32.

Reference Links:

• California Proposition 32, the "Paycheck Protection" Initiative (2012) -- BallotPedia
• Text of California Proposition 32 (November 2012) -- BallotPedia
• Yes on 32 -- campaign site
• No on 32 -- campaign site

Note: Please read the text of the proposition. The No on 32 campaign is suggesting there are exemptions for corporations. If you read the text of the proposition or even just the summary at BallotPedia, you will see there are no exemptions!

Happy New Year to everyone!

For those of us still stuck in California, here are some of the creative laws our government feels necessary. Socialism is strong!

California's new laws for 2010

New California Laws For 2010