Ballot measures continue to play big role

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Last month’s Legislative update discussed the possibility of November’s failed parental-notification (Proposition 73) and paycheck-protection (Proposition 75) initiatives returning as possible future ballot measures.

That prediction has already become reality.

Two versions of each have been filed with the Secretary of State, along with a plethora of other issues—130 different measures by the end of November. Not all efforts, however, will be able to collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Whether as a result of growing frustration with California’s Legislature, or as a means to push special pet projects, such as universal preschool, ballot initiatives have become the method of choice for those who wish to bring about change or garner funding to implement their own agendas.

Whatever the reason, ballot measures are becoming increasingly popular as voters are being asked to step into the role of “legislator” to implement new laws, regulations, or bond indebtedness. With this in mind, it is incumbent on California voters to take a greater interest in the initiative process and pay greater attention to the actual language of these ballot measures—instead of relying on TV ads 15-to-20-seconds in length.

In addition to measures that require signatures, the Legislature can pass legislation to place an initiative on the ballot. Among those that are probable for either the June or November 2006 ballot are several bond measures to pay for necessary statewide infrastructure improvements.

However, again, it is extremely important to really understand these efforts. As the proverbial saying goes, “The devil is in the details.” And this couldn’t be truer than when it comes to enacting bond measures.

For instance, SB 1024, Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, seeks $10.3 billion for public works, which most people consider to be “transportation.” Yet Sen. Tom Torlakson has already said he will be adding low-income housing to his bill. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering his own infrastructure bill that some insiders are estimating at a cost of $50 billion. The governor, however, said that he has no idea yet what the final figure will be, but plans to discuss it in his State-of-the-State message in January. Other legislators say they will be drafting their own legislation. Hopefully, the Legislature and governor will come together to draft a single measure; but beware, it is still extremely important to read the final version before casting your vote.

Other initiatives filed
In addition to those already mentioned, other measures that may qualify for the ballot include efforts to increase taxes to pay for healthcare, a tobacco tax, stronger laws for sex offenses and identity theft, a ban on same-sex marriage, and a tax on the “wealthy” to pay for universal preschool under the authority of the California Department of Education.

While some of the above measures may have merit, mere advertisements that pull at your heartstrings cannot be relied upon when making crucial decisions that will have long-term consequences.

One of the most deceptive ad campaigns has already started—that dealing with universal preschool. Certainly there is nothing inherently wrong with preschool; however, there is a big difference between a private preschool and one devised and controlled by the state. For the moment, forget the monumental cost, which will only skyrocket once the system is in place—as do the costs of all government-run programs.

The real problem with a state-run preschool system is that it will eventually end the private-sector choices offered to parents.

If we accept as truth all the wonderful sounding ads currently running throughout the state—ads that tout the many benefits of preschool—we are led to believe that a state-run preschool will solve everything from crime to world hunger (OK, so I’m exaggerating slightly); but listen carefully the next time one of those ads runs. According to them, preschool will lower crime, reduce poverty, elevate the education level of every student and, in short, will solve all those long-lasting problems we’ve had with education. What a lovely scenario—if it were true!

The reality is that there are conflicting studies about the so-called benefits cited in these ads. The next time you hear an ad, consider that California’s students currently rank last or second to last in academics when they are compared with students in other states. You might ask yourself: If they can’t educate my child with the billions of dollars they already have (almost half of the entire state budget), how would placing my child into a state-controlled system at an even younger age turn a failing system into such a successful one?

Legislation
Initiatives aren’t the only battlefield next year; legislation will also need to be watched closely. For instance, a bill will be heard in January that will force local schools to allow health clinics on school campuses to dispense birth control (AB 103). Universal healthcare (think state-run HMO), and physician-assisted suicide will also be major issues of contention.

As you can see, legislators and special-interest groups have their own agenda for California. That agenda may be quite different from what you foresee for your children and your family, so we encourage you to stay informed, talk to your friends about what you know, and let your legislators hear from you.

For more about universal preschool, read Karen Holgate’s article, Universal Preschool: Does it really help children? Is it worth the cost? It can be found online at californiafamily.org/Site/isBrief_Detail.asp?PID=79

Karen Holgate is director of Legislative Affairs for California Family Alliance. CFA is a not-for-profit lobby promoting family, religious, and business friendly legislation and is affiliated with California Family Council.

Published by Keener Communications Group, January 2006

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