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| The Pros and Cons of California's Propositions |
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With the November 4 elections less than a week away, voting for a new President is not the only thing Filipino-Americans need to be aware of when they go to the polls on Super Tuesday.
In California, several measures are up on the Nov. 4 ballot ranging from a future “bullet train”, the right to notify a parent when their child gets an abortion to a ban on same sex marriage. Here is a run down on some of the propositions on next Tuesday’s ballots:
Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bonds
The proposal is a $9 billion bond measure for an 220-mile-per-hour high-speed electric powered train between San Francisco and Los Angeles that will cost the State an estimated $19.4 billion or $647 million a year for the next 30-years.
Pros: A futuristic alternative for commuters, electric powered means less dependence on foreign oil, the State becomes an attractive tourist destination, shrinks commute time between LA and SF, and the train network would link to all other cities in between the area. No tax increase.
Cons: Critics estimate the real cost of the “bullet train” at $40 billion, with the state taxpayers footing the bill.
Proposition 2: Standards for confining farm animals also known as the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act
The measure would prohibit the confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, or fully extend their limbs.
Pros: Prevents animal cruelty, promotes food safety, supports family farmers and protects the environment.
Cons: Critics say the measure is extreme because California law has long required humane treatment of animals.
Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act
Authorizes the state to sell $980 million in bonds for capital improvement projects at children’s hospitals.
Pros: Allows children’s hospitals to purchase latest medical technologies.
Cons: Critics say that the direct beneficiaries of this measure are medical supply houses, pharmaceutical companies, and other special interest groups.
Proposition 4: Waiting Period and Parental notification before termination of minor’s pregnancy also known as ‘Sarah’s Law’
Requires written parental/ guardian/ or adult family member notification prior to minors’ abortions.
Pros: Notifies parents of children’s medical situation and prevents secret abortions.
Cons: Critics say the measure would put teens in more danger since it won’t stop teen pregnancy and pregnant teens may choose an unsafe/ dangerous alternative for an abortion.
Proposition 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses; sentencing; parole and rehabilitation
Allocates $460 million to improve and expand treatment programs for the rehabilitation of drug offenders.
Pros: Reduces prison overcrowding and allows rehab for nonviolent drug offenders.
Cons: Shortens the parole time of drug offenders, Prop. 5 drug rehab program may not work for many drug offenders.
Proposition 6: Police and Law Enforcement Funding; Criminal Penalties and Laws aka Safe Neighborhoods Act
The proposal creates a new state-funded criminal justice program.
Pros: Creates tougher punishment for gang crimes, prohibits bail for illegal aliens who are charged with violent or gang crimes, and creates additional funding for local police, sheriff, district attorneys and probation officers.
Cons: Reallocates funds currently spent on K-12 Education, Higher Education, Health and Human Services, Business, Transportation and Housing, and Environmental Protection.
Proposition 7: The Solar and Clean Energy Act of 2008
Establishes mandatory renewable energy threshold for the L.A. Department of Water and Power and other government utilities.
Proposition 8: California Marriage Protection Act
Outlaws same-sex marriage by adding the following words to the state Constitution: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Proposition 9: ‘Marsy’s Law’: the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008
Broadens role of victims and victims’ families in parole hearings and restricts frequency of hearing.
Proposition 10: The California Renewable Energy and Clean Alternative Fuel Act
Authorizes $5 billion in bonds ($9.8 billion with interest), much of which would provide rebates to buyers of hybrids and other alternative-fuel cars and fund research.
Proposition 11: Voters FIRST Act
Redistricting Constitutional Amendment and Statute. Would transfer the power to re-draw Assembly, state Senate, and Board of Equalization district lines, once every 10 years after census data come in, from the political parties and elected officials to a 14-member citizens’ commission.
Proposition 12: California Veterans Bond
Would extend the current Cal-Vet program which helps veterans buy homes and farms with lower interest rates. Veterans’ payments historically have covered the cost of servicing the state bonds, but if they don’t, lenders are repaid from the state’s general fund. The Cal-Vet program began in 1921 and currently is available only to veterans who served before 1977. The measure would allow those who have served since them to take advantage of the program. (www.asianjournal.com)
(Published October 29, 2008 p.mgzn3 LAMDWK)
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