Prop 25 would reduce the voting requirement from two thirds majority to simple majority for passing the state budget. Per the Calif constitution, the governor is supposed to submit a budget by Jan 10 and the state legislature is supposed to pass it by June 15 so that the governor can sign it before the state fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Since 1980, the legislature has met its June 15 deadline 5 times. When the state budget is delayed, some state expenses are not paid on time such as legislature's salaries. This prop is called "The On-Time Budget Act of 2010" and its purpose is to "grease the skids" so the budget can be passed quicker. It also contains a provision that the legislature will permanently forfeit their salary for every day delayed beyond the June 15 deadline. This prop also eliminates the referendum process for stopping higher fees.
Pros
Make it easier to pass the budget to avoid delays
Cons
Makes it easier for politicians to spend money and raise taxes
Eliminates the right of voters to use referendum to force a vote and stop taxes disguised as fees
In my opinion, this prop is dangerous - it would make it easier for the legislature to spend more money - CA is already on the road to bankruptcy.
3 comments:
Thanks for the post. I agree with you.
I like to look at it this way: Suppose you have two teenagers in the mall bickering on how to spend your credit card. Would you:
1. Hope that they spend less in the the time that they are bickering. (Then vote no on 25)
2. Give them a second credit card and send them on their way. (Then vote yes on 25)
Voted NO.
Dropping the 2/3 requirement gives the party-in-power all of the cards.
I hate the simple majority vote...even though it helped pass Prop 8.
In this case we are talking about financial matters, and what scares me is that there may be loopholes allowing the passing of fees or taxes as amendments attached to the budget. These would go through with the simple majority, and not a 2/3 vote because they are attached to the budget.
The John & Ken show had some info on this, including a representative from the Howard Jarvis Tax foundation who was adamant against this Prop.
Dave H.
On most issues, I trust the Howard Jarvis Tax foundation. They are a good watchdog group against run away taxes and spending. On many props, I look for their position when deciding my vote.
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