November 2, 2010 Statewide General Election

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OPPOSE Proposition 20: Redistricting of Congressional Districts

The League opposes Proposition 20, which we believe is well-intentioned but premature. California is in the midst of a major reform of our redistricting process, with a new independent Citizens Redistricting Commission drawing the lines for state Senate and Assembly districts. Proposition 20 would significantly increase the commission’s workload by adding Congressional redistricting and shortening the time it would have to do its work. We believe the commission should draw Congressional district lines in the future, but the new process should be fully implemented before the commission’s responsibilities are expanded so dramatically. In addition, a new definition in this measure could make it harder for the commission to respect California’s diverse neighborhoods and communities as it draws district maps. Let’s give redistricting reform a chance to work the way the voters intended before we take the next step and add Congressional redistricting.

OPPOSE Proposition 23: Suspends Clean Energy and Air Pollution Standards

The LWVC vigorously opposes this Dirty Energy Proposition, funded by out-of-state oil companies, because it would virtually kill AB 32, the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Proposition 23 would suspend the implementation of AB 32 until the state unemployment rate is 5.5 percent or lower for four consecutive calendar quarters. That has happened only three times in the last four decades! This dangerous proposition would get rid of clean energy standards that will cut air pollution and protect the public health. Proponents say this measure is needed to preserve jobs, but in fact it will jeopardize hundreds of thousands of clean-energy jobs. We must promote California’s role as an innovator and investor in a clean-tech economy.

SUPPORT Proposition 24: Tax Fairness Act

Proposition 24 would repeal the corporate tax cuts that were passed in closed-door budget deals of 2008-09. These tax breaks cost approximately $1.3 billion in revenue to the state, while benefiting only two percent of California's businesses. There is no requirement that they actually result in the creation of private-sector jobs. Proposition 24 will make big multi-state corporations pay their fair share and put $1.3 billion back into the treasury to help our schools, health care, and other essential services that have suffered severe budget cuts in recent years. The League supports repealing these tax cuts because this budget crisis cannot be solved by expenditure cuts alone, let alone expenditure cuts combined with tax cuts with no demonstrated value to the economy.

SUPPORT Proposition 25: Simple Majority Vote for Budget

The LWVC supports this measure, which would change the vote required for the Legislature to pass a budget from the current two-thirds to a simple majority. Majority rule is a fundamental part of democracy. The majority should set priorities for spending and take responsibility for them. This measure will change the negotiations over the budget and reduce the stranglehold the minority now exercises over the process. Under Proposition 25, legislators will forfeit salary if they fail to meet the deadline for passing a budget. Budgets that are late and full of gimmicks harm all Californians, damage our economy, and hurt the state’s credit rating.

OPPOSE Proposition 26: "Polluter Protection"

Proposition 26 would redefine regulatory fees imposed on companies for harm done to the environment or public health as taxes. Since taxes, unlike fees, require a two-thirds vote for approval, it would be much harder for state and local governments to seek such payments from those making harmful products or creating public nuisances. The likely result is that the fiscal burden of the harm to the environment or public health will fall on the public rather than the businesses involved. The League opposes Proposition 26 because we believe that decisions on all revenue measures should be made by a simple majority vote.

STRONG OPPOSE Proposition 27: Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting

This measure would kill the major redistricting reform voters just approved in 2008 and return the authority for redistricting to the backrooms of the Legislature. Proposition 27 would allow politicians to draw their own districts to protect their jobs. It would take us back to the days when bizarrely shaped districts were drawn in secret, carving up neighborhoods and communities to keep incumbents safely in office. Vote NO to keep the power with voters and the voter-approved independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

No Recommendation on the Other Measures on this Ballot

REMOVED FROM THE BALLOT Proposition 18: Water Bond Measure
On August 10, the Legislature and the Governor moved Proposition 18 from the November 2010 ballot to the November 2012 ballot.

NO POSITION Proposition 19: Legalize and Regulate Marijuana
Because League positions do not cover the issues in Proposition 19, the LWVC is taking no stand on this measure.

NEUTRAL Proposition 21: $18 Vehicle License Fee for State Parks and Wildlife Programs
Proposition 21 establishes a new earmarked fee. The League does not generally support earmarks but is neutral on this measure because there is little left that can be done to raise money for the state parks, which provide a valuable recreation and natural preservation resource for the state.

NEUTRAL Proposition 22: State Government Prohibited from Taking Local Funds
The measure would provide some stability in funding for local government. However, it would freeze in place the current dysfunctional system of funding local governments in California. The League will remain neutral on Proposition 22.

VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON NOVEMBER 2!