Vote Yes on All Five June Ballot Propositions

by Gary Toebben

It is very unusual for the Chamber to support five out of five ballot propositions on a statewide election. That is the recommendation from our staff and Board of Directors for the June election.

The 2018 election season kicks into full gear this week as vote-by-mail ballots are distributed. On your ballot, you will have the opportunity to vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Controller, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, U.S Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state Senate and Assembly races, Board of Equalization districts and countywide offices like Sheriff and Assessor.

The legislature also placed five statewide propositions on the ballot. Here is a brief summary of each and the recommendation by the Chamber Board of Directors after researching and voting on each.

• Prop 68- CA Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection & Outdoor Access for All Act - SUPPORT
  This ballot measure would authorize the State to issue $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local parks, environmental protection and restoration projects, water infrastructure projects and flood protection. The Chamber SUPPORTS these bonds because they will fund projects and programs to enhance our water supply and water quality. 
• Prop 69- CA Transportation Taxes & Fees Lockbox Amendment - SUPPORT
  This amendment to the CA Constitution was integral to the passage of the SB 1 transportation package during 2017. It requires that revenue from taxes and fees on vehicles and their operations be used exclusively for transportation-related projects. The Chamber SUPPORTS ensuring that tax revenue is spent for the intended purpose. 
• Prop 70- CA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Reserve Fund - SUPPORT
  This amendment requires that all revenues from the cap-and-trade auctions after Jan. 1, 2024 be deposited into a reserve fund until a one-time; two-thirds approval on a spending plan is passed by the Legislature. The Chamber SUPPORTS because this was an important component of the bi-partisan deal that reauthorized the cap-and-trade program and we find value in reevaluating the efficacy of programs that are continuously funded.
• Prop 71- Effective Date of Ballot Measures Amendment - SUPPORT
  This constitutional amendment would move the effective start date of a successful proposition to five days after the Secretary of State certifies the election results. Current law indicates that propositions go into effect the day after the election. The Chamber SUPPORTS because vote-by-mail ballots often delay results until after Election Day.  This amendment would ensure accuracy in implementation of new laws.
• Prop 72- Rainwater Capture Systems Excluded from Property Tax Assessments Amendment - SUPPORT
  This amendment would allow the state Legislature to exclude rainwater capture systems added to properties after Jan. 1, 2019 from being taxed as new construction. The Chamber SUPPORTS because businesses and residents should be incentivized to install these systems without paying increased taxes. 

For additional information and to find your polling place, L.A. County residents are encouraged to visit the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder website. I urge you to vote, either by mail or in person. If you have not yet registered, please visit this site. 

And that's The Business Perspective.