Submitted by helen on August 22, 2012
Ballot Measure to which this Recommendation is Connected:
State Budget. State and Local Government.Election:
November 6, 2012Related LWVC Positions:
Position on California State Constitution Position on State and Local FinancesRelated Issues:
Government ReformLeague Position
Proposition 31 is based on good intentions and has some pieces that, taken alone, the League could support. However, Prop 31 has several significant flaws. There are questions about whether or not the provisions allow local governments to suspend state environmental requirements. What is clear is that there will be significant legal uncertainty, and years of litigation. In addition, the measure prescribes the specific manner of state and local government budgeting and puts this process into the state constitution. Prop 31 has other questionable provisions, such as establishing a significant shift of power over appropriations to the governor at times of fiscal emergency.
Proposition 31 is based on good intentions and has some pieces that, taken alone, the League could support. We support consideration of a two-year budget cycle, and budgets that emphasize performance and outcomes.
However, Prop 31 has several significant flaws. It establishes a significant shift of power over appropriations to the governor at times of fiscal emergency. The current balance of power is carefully crafted to ensure that neither the governor nor the legislature can act unilaterally. Changing this balance should be done only after very careful consideration and significant public debate.
There are questions about whether the provisions allow local governments to suspend state environmental requirements. While the supporters deny this, there are credible sources raising it as an issue. Clearly, there will be significant legal uncertainty and years of litigation if Prop 31 passes.
In addition, the measure prescribes the specific manner of state and local government budgeting and puts this process into the state constitution, raising the cost of government with no guarantee any improvement will result. The League opposes putting details like this into the state constitution.
