I’m a long time resident of California; I’ve been paying all my taxes for 40+ years. I’ve always paid my way, and I’ve never had to use any State social services, etc, etc. I’m just an average Californian that is stung by the mess that we are in.
So, should I vote FOR or AGAINST, Prop 1A ?
Prop 1A (see complete text at the end of this article) is a California ballot initiative that is supposed to solve all of our financial problems, and prevent the same problems from occurring in the future. Of course, that is pie in the sky, but, every voter has to decide on whether or not to support it.
This is a tough decision for me.
My initial instinct was to vote No; I was very angry at our so-called lawmakers, and Governor Schwarzenegger, for two primary reasons:
1) First of all, I was angry that California is in this spot, in the first place. It’s disgraceful that a State that has always been touted as having the 7th largest economy in the World, is now on the verge of bankruptcy. And the fault lies squarely on the shoulders of our lawmakers, and our Governor,. It was their extravagant spending, and poor and inept management that have put the whole State in the hole.
(And it also torques my jaw, that an overwhelming majority of Californians/Americans who have worked hard, saved their money, paid their taxes, have been good citizens, and contributed in a thousand positive ways, are being forced to bail-out the greedy degenerates among us.. but that is for another post)
2 It’s bad enough that we are in this spot, but, for months, our lawmakers were unable to find any solutions, and finally, with much fanfare, they shirk their duty, and responsibility, and come up with a ’solution’ in the form of Prop 1A.
Our lawmakers are cowards, and there isn’t a leader among them; (if anyone knows of one, please, please, let me know !). Prop 1A is the cornerstone of their solution; of their ‘compromise’. If California voters do not approve it, then the whole mess will fall back into their laps.
For them, the failure of Prop 1A will essentially be a mandate to pass even harder hitting tax increases. And their response to the public outcry will be that it’s not THEIR fault, it’s the FAULT of the California voters who did not vote for Prop 1A.
On the other hand, if Prop 1A passes, and it fails to solve our financial problems, then, again, the fault will be with the voters, and not with our lawmakers.
It stinks !
What a deal; they win either way. Our lawmakers are obviously brilliant, and intelligent people, and they obviously all had to be of the same mind in order to cook-up such a masterful scheme, so why can’t they use that same intellect to find the solutions, no matter how hard.
So, where am I at, NOW ? I’m still on the fence.
I think some people who are against Prop 1A, are assuming that, if it fails, that lawmakers will be forced to make cuts in order to solve our financial woes. I guess they figure the State will simply lay-off a million workers, and curtail services, and, poof, all our problems are solved.
And maybe that is true, but I haven’t seen any evidence that that will happen; it fact, like I said earlier, the failure of Prop 1A will probably be seen as a mandate for our legislators to raise taxes.
If Prop 1A does not pass, then what happens next ? More tax increases from the legislature ? Mass firings of State employees, and the shut-down of non-essential services, in the interest of maintaining essential services such as police and fire ?
Will the State go bankrupt, and what does that mean ? What happens when a State is bankrupt ?
Will our lifestyle degrade ? Will our roads become unusable ?
I don’t know the answers. If anyone does, please tell me… it’ll help me decide on which way to vote.
If you’re interested in learning more about Prop 1A, checkout these videos.
AngrySpencer
www.angrycalifornian.com
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The official text of California Proposition 1A
http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov
PROPOSITION 1A
STATE BUDGET. CHANGES CALIFORNIA BUDGET PROCESS.
LIMITS STATE SPENDING. INCREASES “RAINY DAY” BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND.
OFFICIAL TITLE AND SUMMARY
STATE BUDGET. CHANGES CALIFORNIA BUDGET PROCESS.
LIMITS STATE SPENDING. INCREASES “RAINY DAY” BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND.
* Increases size of state “rainy day” fund from 5% to 12.5% of the General Fund.
* A portion of the annual deposits into that fund would be dedicated to savings for future economic downturns, and the remainder would be available to fund education, infrastructure, and debt repayment, or for use in a declared emergency.
* Requires additional revenue above historic trends to be deposited into state “rainy day” fund, limiting spending.
Summary of Legislative Analyst’s Estimate of Net State and Local Government Fiscal Impact:
* Higher state tax revenues of roughly $16 billion from 2010—11 through 2012—13 to help balance the state budget.
* In many years, increased amounts of money in state “rainy day” reserve fund.
* Potentially less ups and downs in state spending over time.
* Possible greater state spending on repaying budgetary borrowing and debt, infrastructure projects, and temporary tax relief. In some cases, this would mean less money available for ongoing spending.
Final votes cast by the legislature on ACA 1 (Proposition 1A)
Senate: Ayes 30 Noes 8
Assembly: Ayes 74 Noes 6
