The RCJ has taken a look at the ballot issues in California’s upcoming mid-term elections. Besides determining the next Governor of the state, there are numerous ballot propositions. Below is an overview of how we will mark our ballot, along with links that explain why.
Candidates for Governor
Governor of California
Xavier Becerra (Democrat): Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California Attorney General.
Steve Hilton (Republican): Political commentator and television host.
OUR CHOICE: Xavier Becerra
PROPOSITIONS
Proposition 1: Housing Affordability Bonds
- Overview: Authorizes $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing programs, including funding for veteran home loans and youth housing.
OUR CHOICE: Yes
Proposition 2: Budget Stabilization Account Cap Increase
- Overview: Increases the cap on the state’s Rainy Day Fund (Budget Stabilization Account) from 10% to 20% of general fund revenues.
OUR CHOICE: Yes
Proposition 3: Income Tax Extension for Public Funding
- Overview: Makes permanent the higher marginal income tax rates on top-earning households originally passed under Proposition 30 to fund public education and healthcare programs.
OUR CHOICE: Yes
Proposition 4: Campaign Public Financing
- Overview: Repeals previous prohibitions and permits state and local governments to establish optional public financing programs for election campaigns.
OUR CHOICE: No
Proposition 5: Statewide Recall Process Changes
- Overview: Eliminates the successor election portion during a state officer recall, leaving the office vacant to be filled according to standard state replacement laws if the officer is recalled.
OUR CHOICE: Yes
Proposition 37: Middle-Income Homebuyer Loan Program
- Overview: Authorizes $25 billion in revenue bonds to create a state second-mortgage assistance program for qualifying homebuyers purchasing new homes.
OUR CHOICE: Yes
Proposition 38: Immunology Medical Research Bonds
- Overview: Authorizes $8.4 billion in general obligation bonds for medical research facilities and programs focused on immunology and immunotherapy.
OUR CHOICE: Yes
Proposition 39: Voter Identification Requirement
- Overview: Amends the state constitution to require voters to show government-issued photo ID when voting in person or verify ID details for mail-in ballots.
OUR CHOICE: No
Proposition 40: One-Time High-Net-Worth Wealth Tax
- Overview: Imposes a one-time 5% tax on accumulated assets exceeding $1 billion for state residents to fund public education, food assistance, and healthcare.
OUR CHOICE: No