November 5, 2002 Election Click on Proposition number to see a more detailed analysis.
California must address the widening gap between the supply of safe, decent housing and the demands of our growing population. The bonds will provide funds to help cities and counties meet their own most critical needs. These can include housing for seniors and low-income families, including working families. Proposition 46 will also provide emergency shelter beds, including shelters for battered women and their children.
California is failing to provide its children with schools that are safe and comfortable and have the modern technology they need to prepare them for college or careers. Local school districts need the matching funds in this bond measure to provide these facilities and to add the classrooms needed to meet growing enrollments without increasing class size.
The League supports a variety of before and after school programs, but this measure singles out one program for special treatment, whether it best meets local needs or not. It does not provide new revenue, but simply guarantees funding for this program at a set level each year unless rescinded by voters. The funding level would not be considered in the annual budget process, even in tough economic times when money might be better spent on more critical needs like health care, public safety or even other children's programs. If this measure passes, other special interests will try the same strategy to fund programs that seem popular, further reducing the flexibility to meet changing needs.
These bonds will fund the state and local water system improvements needed to assure that California will have a reliable supply of clean drinking water. It will also fund improvements to aging sewer and storm water systems that pollute beaches and fund protection and restoration of coastal wetlands, fisheries and wildlife.
It would guarantee funding from the state General Fund for a number of specific programs and projects unless it was later changed by the voters. These programs are not necessarily based on local priorities and may not have the greatest impact on transportation or traffic problems. The projects funded would tie up nearly $1 billion per year and would not have to be reviewed in the annual budget process. As with Proposition 49, this would set a precedent that could encourage others to try the same strategy.
This measure ensures that all legally eligible voters will have the opportunity to have their voices heard on election day. Citizen participation in elections may continue to drop until there is a real question as to whether our government operates with the consent of the governed. This system is already the law in six states and has worked without serious problems. Citizens registering on election day would have to provide legally valid ID to prove they were voting in the correct precinct, and in future elections would receive ballot materials in advance. 916-442-7215 FAX 916-442-7362 Email: lwvc@lwvc.org Website: http://ca.lwv.org The League of Women Voters is always nonpartisan: It does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. However, we are political because we support and oppose legislation, lobby legislators and take stands on ballot measures. The League of Women Voters of California gives permission to print, copy, or link to this page in its entirety. © Copyright 2002. League of Women Voters of California. |
