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LAO analysis of Nov ballot propositions

Byuclafaculty


Various propositions will be on the November ballot thanks to Governor Hiram Johnson (elected 1910) who brought us direct democracy. Some may have indirect implications for the state and therefore the UC budget. None deal directly with higher ed financing. The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has now released its analysis of each of the ten propositions. You can read the LAO’s views at

http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/ballot_source/Propositions.aspx

(Be sure to click all 3 pages. Note that there have been moves to pull the water bond off the ballot.)

Among the propositions for November is one that would allow passage of the state budget (but not tax increases) by majority vote. Another would legalize marijuana and allow it to be taxed. (But don’t run out and spend the money yet.) Yet another repeals various business tax breaks that are slated to go into effect under an earlier budget deal. However, some propositions might make it hard to craft state budget deals. One tries to stop state raiding of transit money, for example. Another tightens up the fee vs. tax distinction, which would put more items now labeled as fees under the requirement for a 2/3 vote.

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