California Proposition Results

By Michael Allen *OPPOSING VIEWS*

California had several propositions on the ballot yesterday, ranging from labeling organic food to banning unions from donating members' dues to political candidates. Here are the results, so far, according to LAWeekly.com and StanfordDaily.com.

Proposition 30 is leading 54 to 46 percent. This measure would temporarily increase the state sales tax and income tax on individuals making over $250,000. Gov. Jerry Brown endorsed this measure which will avoid "trigger cuts" to the state's public education system. Billionaire Charles Munger fought this prop.

Proposition 31 would create a two-year budget cycle for the state government, allow the governor to cut the budget in fiscal emergencies and require performance reviews in state programs. This prop is losing 39 to 60 percent.

Proposition 32 would prevent unions from making campaign donations via members' dues. The measure's backers said it would prevent corporations from doing the same, but companies are already not allowed to do this, so it would only affect unions. So far, ”no” is leading 56 to 43 percent. $135.6 million was spent on this fight, with labor organizations outspending the proposition's corporate supporters by $14.6 million.

Proposition 33 would require insurance companies to set rates based on the previous insurance history of the driver and provide better rates for drivers who have had insurance in the past. Prop 33 is losing 45 to 54 percent.

Proposition 34 would repeal California’s death penalty and replace it with life in prison without parole. This measure is failing 47 to 52 percent.

Proposition 35 increases prison terms for human traffickers and requires police training on human trafficking. This measure has a huge lead at 81 to 18 percent.

Proposition 36 would change the “Three Strikes” law so that life-in-prison sentences would only apply if the third conviction [strike] were “serious or violent.” The "yes" vote is leading 68 to 31 percent.

Proposition 37 would require the labeling of genetically-modified food as such and prohibits genetically-modified foods from being labeled “natural.” The food industry, especially the Monsanto corporation, spent over $20 million to fight this measure and it appears to have paid off.  This prop is losing 47 to 53 percent.

Proposition 38 hikes up the state income tax for 12 years, putting the money to pre-K to 12 education. This measure is being killed 72 to 27 percent.

Proposition 39 requires multi-state businesses to pay income taxes based on percentage of sales in California. This one is headed toward approval at 60 to 39 percent.

Proposition 40 is a veto referendum that would keep the California State Senate lines as they were drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission in 2010.  This measure is winning 71 to 28 percent, but was unopposed.

Finally, Measure B, which would require porn performers to wear condoms, is passing 60 to 39 percent. Measure B was pushed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, but is opposed by porn producers and porn lovers.