Mike Zapler, San Jose Mercury News, Sacramento Bureau
SACRAMENTO - Barack Obama and John McCain may grab most of the headlines, but California voters will have a lot more to chew on than the presidential race this political season.
Eleven propositions have now made the Nov. 4 ballot, on issues ranging from same-sex marriage and abortion to alternative energy to the treatment of farm animals.
As of the secretary of state's announcement last week, it is now too late for more citizen initiatives - which constitute all but one of the measures to date. But the Legislature may add more measures before all is said and done.
"There's something for everyone," said San Jose State University political science Professor Larry Gerston.
Several of the measures seek big dollars for ambitious new projects - a potentially tough sell in the midst of the economic slowdown. Voters will be asked to authorize nearly $10 billion in borrowing to help pay for a high-speed train (Proposition 1, placed on the ballot by the Legislature) that would shuttle people from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours. A $5 billion bond initiative (Proposition 10) would provide subsidies to people who buy alternative- and clean-fuel cars, as well as grants for renewable energy research. Proposition 3 seeks approval for a nearly $1 billion bond for children's hospitals.
Makes me so excited that I get to live in California. Someone is always propositioning me.
I suggest another proposition...........no State money can be spent until the budget is balanced without raising taxes.
Maybe another one...........State legislatures will have their pay cut 50% until they do 50% of what they are getting payed for and balance the budget. In addition, no pay raises will be given out without the state citizens voting on it.
Where is the one about saving $14 bill a year by eliminating benefits for illegals?
I’d definitely vote yes on the one to prevent cruelty to animals, restrict abortion, and limit marriage. I’m glad to see the animal one on there. Some of those animals are treated horrendously. Here is a picture:
http://www.liberationbc.com/files/540x360_layers_dead_rb024_cok.jpg
