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Special election measures include parts of governor's reform package
AP ^ | 8/13/5

Posted on 08/13/2005 11:07:54 AM PDT by SmithL

The following initiatives have qualified for California's Nov. 8 special election ballot. Propositions 74, 76 and 77 are part of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "year of reform" package.

PROPOSITION 73, PARENTAL PERMISSION FOR ABORTION: A constitutional amendment promoted by anti-abortion activists that would require girls 17 and younger to get parental permission to receive an abortion. It is opposed by abortion-rights organizations that say many minors live in homes where they risk emotional abuse or physical violence, or where the pregnancy is a result of incest.

PROPOSITION 74, TEACHER TENURE: Would increase the time required for public school teachers to gain tenure, from two complete consecutive school years to five. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says two years isn't enough time to determine whether a teacher deserves permanent employment. The California Teachers Association opposes the measure, saying it's already hard to attract qualified teachers. If faced with a five-year probationary period, most candidates will look for jobs elsewhere, the union says.

PROPOSITION 75, PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNION DUES: Would prohibit public employee labor unions from using union dues or fees for political contributions unless their members provide written consent. The measure is supported by anti-tax activists and business interests. It is opposed by Democrats and organized labor, who say the measure is designed to gut their political influence. Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the initiative but has close ties to its backers.

PROPOSITION 76, STATE SPENDING CAP: Would change minimum school funding requirements and limit state spending to the previous year's total plus revenue growth. Schwarzenegger says this measure is necessary because several of the state's mandatory spending programs -- especially Proposition 98, which sets a minimum funding level for public schools -- cannot be supported by tax revenue. Opponents say the measure would result in devastating cuts to public education and to local services such as law enforcement.

PROPOSITION 77, CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS: A constitutional amendment requiring congressional and state legislative districts to be drawn by a three-member panel of retired judges, rather than by lawmakers. The new boundaries would take effect as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the next scheduled census in 2010 when redistricting is typically done. Schwarzenegger says the current system of setting legislative boundaries, in which lawmakers themselves determine the districts, creates seats that have no real competition. Members of Congress and state legislative leaders in both parties have been wary of this measure but have indicated they would support it if the redistricting is postponed until after the next census in 2010.

PROPOSITION 78, PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNTS: Sponsored by the drug industry, it would provide discounted drugs to uninsured Californians making up to three times the federal poverty level. That's about $28,000 for an individual and $58,000 for a family of four. The program would cover about 5 million people. Participation in the program by drug companies is voluntary.

PROPOSITION 79, PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNTS: Sponsored by a coalition of labor unions and consumer groups, it would provide discounted drugs to uninsured Californians making up to four times the federal poverty level. That's about $38,000 for an individual and $77,000 for a family of four. The program would cover about 10 million people. Individuals would be able to sue drug companies if they believe the company engages in "illegal profiteering." If a drug company does not participate in the program, the state could choose to discourage the use of its drugs in the state's Medicaid program.

PROPOSITION 80, ELECTRIC SERVICE PROVIDERS: Would re-regulate the state's energy market, requiring electric service providers to be controlled and regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. The measure is supported by consumer advocates who believe the deregulation of California's utilities helped cause the state's power crisis in 2001. It's opposed by power companies who have invested heavily in the deregulated system.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Extended News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: California
KEYWORDS: calinitiatives; governator; prop73; prop74; prop75; prop76; prop77; prop78; prop79; prop80; specialelection; unionthugs
This will be a battle between the Governor and the unions, and I'm coming down on the side of the Governor.
1 posted on 08/13/2005 11:07:55 AM PDT by SmithL
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To: SmithL
VOTE YES ON 73,74,75,76,77,78. VOTE NO ON 79, 80.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
2 posted on 08/13/2005 11:19:49 AM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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To: goldstategop

Admittedly 78 doesn't look very risky, but I'm always supicious of things that look like a free lunch.

In case anyone else is looking for information about it, I found this up at the Secretary of State's site (it's a PDF file):

http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/bp_nov05/entire78.pdf


3 posted on 08/13/2005 12:28:45 PM PDT by mhx
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To: SmithL

So all three of Arnold's props have made it plus the union dues prop AND the special election is on. The rats have lost again. Let the slimeing begin and let the winner take all.

Here's hoping we'll be hearing the death rattle of the California rat party this November.


4 posted on 08/13/2005 1:06:49 PM PDT by telebob
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