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Sunday, October 17, 2004
I'm Smarter Than You: A Voter's Guide, part 2
Part 1: Prop. 1A to 62
California propositions 63 to 67, with my vote and my opinion on each:
Prop. 63
Mental Health Services Expansion, Funding. Imposes an additional tax on high-income ($1,000,000+) individuals to fund expanded health services for the mentally ill.
My vote: NO. Can you believe that the state of California is still having this debate? Funding for the mentally ill dates back to the days of the Reagan administration- the Reagan gubernatorial administration- when, to decrease state spending, he radically realigned the state's mental care system.
Obviously there is a need here, but lack of funding is the least of the system's problems at the moment. A bloated bureaucracy once again runs the state's mental care facilities- and as long as that is the case no amount of money is going to fix the problem. Another well-intentioned proposition, but considering the cost involved, one I cannot support.
Prop. 64
Enforcement of Unfair Business Laws. Limits the individual's right to sue to cases where the individual suffered injury or financial loss due to unfair business practices. Mandates that class-action lawsuits on behalf of the general public may only be initiated by the Attorney General.
My vote: YES. Would stop the practice of "shakedown lawsuits" against small businesses. Really, all you have to know is that the "no on 64" campaign (which argues that 64 would allow corporate polluters to get off scot-free) is paid for by a group of trial lawyers. That alone should merit a 'yes' vote.
Prop. 65
Local Government Funds and Revenues. Requires voter approval of any local revenue reduction.
My vote: NO. See Prop. 1A. This is a good idea, but Prop 1A does all this and more. If you voted 'yes' on 1A, you must vote 'no' on 65.
Prop. 66
Limitations on "Three Strikes" Law. Limits "Three Strikes" sentencing to only violent and/or serious felonies. Permits limited re-sentencing for current inmates.
My vote: NO. Are you kidding me? This must be the "but it was just a little felony" argument. You know what? By the time that you hit your third felony- even if it is something relatively minor like B&E- you have proven that you cannot be a productive member of society. I was under the impression that was the intention behind the "three strikes" law.
Prop. 67
Emergency Medical Services. Funding. Increases "telephone surcharge" to raise funds for emergency room services/community clinics/911 system.
My vote: NO. Emergency rooms and clinics are woefully under-funded in this state, but raising taxes (especially in this form) isn't the answer. The state needs to cut discretionary spending now, and focus on what's important- not make the public foot the bill for their reckless spending habits.
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