Transcript The California Initiative System

The California Initiative System
What is the Initiative System?
The initiative system is a process that enables citizens
to bypass their state legislature by placing proposed
statutes and constitutional amendments on the ballot.
In California we have the direct initiative process, in
which proposals that qualify go directly on the ballot.
Initiative System in California
 California initiative process was established in 1911. This
movement toward direct democracy was part of increasing
popular demand across the country in the late 1800s for social
and political reform.
 A total of 350 initiatives have qualified for the ballot of which 116
were approved and 227 were rejected.
 In California, any approved initiative cannot be amended or
altered by the legislature without another vote of the people.
California is the only state with this law.
Propositions in California
Some of the most controversial/influential initiatives in California include:
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Proposition 6 (1978) (defeated) on barring homosexuality in the public school system
Proposition 13 (1978) (passed) on property tax; imposing 2/3 requirement for budget vote, tax increases
Proposition 65 (1986) (passed) on notification of hazardous materials
Proposition 98 (1988) (passed) on school funding (requires minimum percentage of budget to be directed
toward education with increases based on inflation)
Proposition 187 (1994) (passed, then declared unconstitutional) on denying illegal immigrants eligibility to
receive public services (immediate stay was federally imposed and is still in effect)
Proposition 209 (1996) (passed) on banning affirmative action in public sector (employment, education, etc.)
Proposition 215 (1996) (passed) on legalizing medical marijuana
Proposition 22 (2000) (passed, then declared unconstitutional) on a statute banning same-sex marriage
Proposition 8 (2008) (pending appeal in the courts) on a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex
marriage in order to override the In re Marriage (Proposition 22) decision earlier that year that legalized samesex marriage
Proposition 14 (2010) (passed) established non-partisan blanket primaries in place of closed primaries
Proposition 19 (2010) (defeated) on the legalization of marijuana
Opinions on the Initiative System
Opinions on the ballot initiative process in America vary widely. In
California's
experience, both the good and the bad are apparent.
PositivesNegatives•• Has
Direct
democracy
thatspecial
lets voters
make decisions on public
become
a tool of
interests
policy for
issues
the legislature
to address
orannually
is unable to
• Paying
previous
initiativesrefuses
costs state
billions
resolve information
• Misleading
•• Many
Empowers
citizens
pass laws;
alleviates
voter frustration
technical
and to
complex
issues
with confusing
language
withmakes
the political
process
that
it difficult
for voters to fully understand
• Stokes citizens’ interest in public policy
Something for Nothing Initiatives
In the pastfor
twonothing
decadespropositions:
California voters
considered
ballot
Something
propositions
that259
do not
offer to
measures.
Of those
127 proposed
for nothing
80
provide
source
of funding
to offset something
the new spending
or taxand
reduction
passed. Funding comes from bond sales.
requested.
This is one of the reasons why California is in debt. Over $42B was
committed in 2006 alone. Most bonds cost twice as much to pay off
as they fund. Total CA debt from all sources: $777B (Jan. 2014).
Why Does This Matter?
Propositions we vote for have a huge effect on state laws and finances.
In California, any approved initiative cannot be amended or altered by
the legislature without another vote of the people.
Voters need to analyze both sides of each proposition and make an
informed vote because the outcome of the elections will have serious
implications for all Californians.
Slideshow:
2014 California Ballot Propositions
1-2 slides on each of the following:
 Props. by number & title
 Explanation of purpose
 Background information
 Arguments in favor w/propaganda & supporters
 Arguments against w/propaganda & opponents
 Financial support & opposition
Proposition 32
Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction.
Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute.
Prop 32
 Purpose:
• Prohibit unions and corporations from making contributions to
state & local candidates
• Outlaw contributions by government contractors to politicians
who contracted them
• Ban automatic deduction of wages to be used for politics
 Fiscal Impact:
• Costs could exceed $1 million annually to regulate
Background
• Political Reform Act of 1974
• Established campaign finance & disclosure laws.
• Places a cap on how much can be contributed towards
campaign.
• Makes it mandatory to report all campaign
contributions.
• Does not apply to federal campaigns.
Background
 Similar measures failed: Both measures
sought to protect payroll deductions.
 Proposition 226 in 1998
 Defeated by 6%
 Proposition 75 in 2005
 Defeated by 7%
YES on 32:
Stop Special
Interest Money
• Supporters argue that special interests run Sacramento.
Because of the amount of money that is being spent towards
campaigns, politicians move away from the voices of the voters,
and instead the needs of special interests who fund their
campaigns.
• Prop 32 would bring reform to the current system by
preventing unions from spending members’ dues on political
contributions.
•No exemptions, no loopholes.
Proposition 32 will put the people back in charge.
Supported By:
• California Republican Party
• Howard Jarvis Taxpayers
Association
• Cal Watchdog
• Citizens for California
Reform
• Democrats for Education
Reform (DFER)
• National Federation of
Independent Business –
California
•Cal Watchdog
• California for Liberty
• California for Property
Rights
• California Business Alliance
• California Taxpayer
Protection Committee
Opposed By:
• California Democratic
Party
• California League of
Women Voters
• California Teachers
Association
• California Clean Money
Campaign
• Exemptions in the text of Prop 32:
•California Public Interest
Other political expenditures remain unrestricted, including corporate
Research Group
expenditures from available resources not limited by payroll deduction
• ACLU California
prohibition.
• California Faculty
Association
• Opponents argue that Prop 32 is not real reform, because it is not equal, • California School
and contains too many exemptions. These exemptions allow business and
Employees Association
corporate interests to continue their spending, but shuts out the voice of the • Sierra Club California
representative unions.
• California Medical
Association
•Proposition 32 exempts the same corporate special interests that are
• California Labor
funding the campaign: Big oil companies, insurance company executives,
Federation
hedge fund managers, Wall Street bankers, big developers and Super PACs.
NO on 32:
Stop the Special
Exemptions Act
PROPOSITION 32
Funding:
Total campaign cash as of October 27, 2012
Support:$59,400,000
Top 5 Contributors:
Opposition:$68,800,000
Top 5 Contributors: