California Ballot propositions

A few years ago, I got involved with a group of aging dinosaurs in the local area that are very interested in local politics.  (I kid - several of the group members are under 75, and very few require supplemental oxygen!)  The group, known as ACT, has been actively involved in Pasadena area politics for over thirty-five years, and is a non-partisan (but most members are democrats) liberal-leaning group.  We have detractors on the other side of the aisle (and some on this side of the aisle) but I think the group is engaged and informed on the issues.  Additionally, ACT members are very involved in local and regional boards, commissions, foundations and issues.  I have been very fortunate to be a member of this vibrant group, and I have personally learned a great deal about local and statewide politics.  This is what civics class should really be - learning about the issues that effect your community, and actively participating in that community. 

I'm currently co-chair of the ACT Research committee.  We have two main roles on the committee: research and make recommendations on ballot propositions, and interview and make recommendations on candidates for local office.  In September, we met to discuss the upcoming California Ballot propositions.  Members of the committee research the propositions.  Then our committee meets and debates and votes on these propositions.  Then the larger ACT Steering committee considers our recommendations.  

If you want to read the details of the research committee report, you can download (free!) at the ACT website, link below.   For your convenience, here is our summary of ACT's Proposition endorsements for the November election: 

• Prop 19:  YES  (11 - 0 - 7)  LEGALIZES MARIJUANA UNDER CALIFORNIA BUT NOT FEDERAL LAW
• Prop 20:  YES  (18 - 0 - 0)  REDISTRICTING OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS
• Prop 21:  YES  (16 - 2 - 0)  ESTABLISHES $18 ANNUAL VEHICLE LICENSE SURCHARGE TO HELP FUND STATE PARKS
• Prop 22:  NO  (13 - 1 - 3)   PROHIBITS THE STATE FROM BORROWING OR TAKING FUNDS FROM LOCAL GOV'T
• Prop 23:  NO  (17 - 0 - 0)   SUSPENDS IMPLEMENTATION OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL LAW 
• Prop 24:  YES  (17 - 0 - 0)  REPEALS RECENT LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW BUSINESSES TO LOWER THEIR TAX LIABILITY
• Prop 25:  YES  (17 - 0 - 0)  CHANGES LEGISLATIVE VOTE REQUIREMENT TO PASS BUDGET TO A SIMPLE MAJORITY
• Prop 26:  NO  (17 - 0 - 0)   REQUIRES THAT CERTAIN STATE AND LOCAL FEES BE APPROVED BY TWO-THIRDS VOTE
• Prop 27:  NO  (16 - 1 - 0)   ELIMINATES STATE COMMISSION ON REDISTRICTING

http://actpasadena.org/