The California Voter Foundation’s complete online voterguide can be found at http;//www.calvoter.org. Here is a briefsummary of some of the Propositions which will be on the ballot inCalifornia tomorrow.
Proposition 62: Elections and Primaries
Requires primary elections in which voters may vote for any stateor federal candidate regardless of party registration.
Proposition 63: Mental Health Services Expansion and Funding;Tax on Incomes over $1 Million
Imposes additional 1% tax on taxable income over $1 million toprovide dedicated funding for expansion of mental health servicesand programs. Current funding for mental health programs may not bereduced because of funding from new tax.
Proposition 66: Limitations on “Three Strikes” Law; Sex Crimes;Punishment
Amends “Three Strikes” law to require increased sentences only whencurrent conviction is for specified violent and/or serious felony.Allows conditional re-sentencing of persons with sentencesincreased under “Three Strikes” law if previous sentencingoffenses, or prior convictions used to increase sentences, would nolonger qualify as violent and/or serious felonies. Increasespunishment for specified sex crimes against children.
Proposition 69: DNA Samples; Collection; Database;Funding
Requires collection of DNA samples from all felons, and from adultsand juveniles arrested for or charged with specific crimes, andsubmission to state DNA database; and, in five years, from adultsarrested for or charged with any felony.
Proposition 71: Stem Cell Research; Funding; Bonds; InitiativeConstitutional Amendment and Statute Establishes “CaliforniaInstitute for Regenerative Medicine” to regulate stem cell researchand provide funding, through grants and loans, for such researchand research facilities. Establishes constitutional right toconduct stem cell research; prohibits Institute’s funding of humanreproductive cloning research.
Proposition 72: Health Care Coverage Requirements;Referendum
Provides for individual and dependent health care coverage foremployees, as specified, working for large and medium employers.Requires that employers pay at least 80% of coverage cost; maximum20% employee contribution. Requires employers to pay for healthcoverage or pay fee to medical insurance board that purchasesprimarily private health coverage. Applies to employers with 200 ormore employees beginning 1/1/06. Applies to employers with 50 to199 employees beginning 1/1/07. Applies to employers with 20 to 49employees if tax credit enacted.
Check your voting guide for more information about these and otherpropositions on the California ballot. The presidential election isimportant, but don’t forget to get informed about yourstate.
