Endorsement Guide
November 5, 2008
Prop. 1A
Provides for a bond of $9.95 billion to establish a high-speed train service throughout California. This state should have completed a reliable, high-speed rail system decades ago.
Yes on Prop. 1A
Prop. 2
Prop. 2 aims to regulate animal confinement conditions, stating that it would require animals be able to lie down, stand up and walk freely. Expect food costs to increase. We can still shop at Whole Foods if we want.
No on Prop. 2.
Prop. 3
Authorizes $980,000,000 in bonds to be repaid from state’s general fund to fund the construction, expansion and equipping of children’s hospitals. This initiative is expensive, but necessary. Yes on Prop. 3.
Prop. 4
This proposition’s aim is to amend the California Constitution to make it illegal for a minor to get an abortion without her parents being notified. Teens who live in abusive homes will suffer if Prop. 4 passes.
No on Prop. 4.
Prop. 5
Allocates $460 million a year to “improve and expand treatment programs for persons convicted of drug and other offenses.” Estimated costs exceed a billion dollars a year. This is a costly measure at the wrong time.
No on Prop. 5.
Prop. 6
Allocates a minimum of $965,000,000 each year from the state’s general fund and will make approximately 30 revisions to California criminal law. Creating more laws for gang-related violence leads to prison overcrowding.
No on Prop. 6.
Prop. 7
Prop. 7 would require all public utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from “renewable energy” in two years, 40 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2025.Poorly written and flawed, this is a bad measure.
No on Prop. 7.
Prop. 8
If passed, this proposition will change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Same-sex couples still will have the right to civil unions and insurance benefits if it passes.
Staff was split 50/50.
Prop. 9
Requires notification to victims and opportunity for input during phases of the criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Victims should have a larger say in the conviction and appeals process. They should have access and input.
Yes on Prop. 9.
Prop. 10
Authorizes $5 billion in bonds to help consumers buy alternative fuel vehicles, including natural gas vehicles. Oil tycoons and energy companies are the main supporters of this measure – enough said.
No on Prop. 10.
Prop. 11 Changes authority for establishing Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization district boundaries from elected representatives to a 14-member commission.This will help clear the lame ducks in the Legislature.
Yes on Prop. 11.
Prop. 12 Allots money for veterans to get home and farm loans. Initially, $900 million is required for the bonds that will be repaid over 30 years. This bill only adds a small amount to the bloated deficit and gives homes to 3,600 veterans.
Yes on Prop. 12.
The State Hornet staff can be reached at [email protected].