Continuing on my overview of the ballot propositions for
this coming election: (Remember you can read the full text of each proposition
as well as more in depth arguments for and against each proposition at ballotpedia.org/California_2016_ballot_propositions).
Proposition 55 will require the personal income tax increase
on incomes over $250,000 to be continued. If approved, the tax increased
approved in 2012 would be extended for 12 years in order to fund education and
healthcare programs. Proponents argue that the taxes will be kept the same as
approved by Prop 30, only extended. It would only affect the wealthiest
Californians. Strict accountability and transparency standards will be set to
ensure money to local schools and prevent budget cuts while continuing to
restore funding lost during the recession. Opponents argue that the tax
increase was only supposed to be temporary. Extending the tax increase is
unnecessary and would hurt small businesses.
Proposition 56 is to increase the cigarette tax to $2 a
pack. An equivalent tax increase would be added to other tobacco products and
electronic cigarettes which contain nicotine. The revenues generated from the
taxes would be allocated for increasing funding for existing healthcare
programs, prevention programs, tobacco-related disease research, law
enforcement, University of California physician training, dental disease
prevention programs and administration. If the new tax causes decreased sales
of cigarettes and tobacco related products, the proposition calls for other tax
revenue to be transferred to offset decreases to existing tobacco-funded
programs and sales tax revenues. The main arguments in support of Prop 56 is
the new tax would reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs and prevent youth
smoking and address tobacco marketing aimed at youths. The main arguments
against Prop 56 is the new tax will fund insurance companies. There is no
allocation for funding schools (as was specified in other tobacco tax initiatives).
Proposition 57 is the Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and
Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative. It increases the parole chances
for felons convicted of non-violent crimes and more opportunities to earn
credit for good behavior. It also allows judges, not prosecutors, to decide
whether to try certain juvenile crimes as adults. Proponents of Prop 57 claim
it provides a way to reduce California’s prison overcrowding as well as
rehabilitation for juveniles and adult inmates through evidence-based rehab. It
keeps dangerous offenders in prison. It will save millions in tax dollars.
Opponents against Prop 57 claim the bill has been poorly drafted and allows
offenders of rape, lewd act of a child and human tracking to be released early.
They also claim that the bill allows for career criminals to be treated like
first-time offenders. Proposition 57 also overturns provisions of victim’s
rights law like the three strikes law and Victims’ Bill of Rights.
Proposition 58 is the Non-English Languages Allowed in
Public Education proposition. If approved, Prop 58 would repeal most of 1998’s
Prop 227 and provide English learners a structured English immersion program.
Supporters claim that Prop 58 allows for all students to become proficient in
English ASAP (side note: it’s hard for even native English speakers to be
proficient). The instruction programs will allow English speakers the
opportunity to learn a second language (side note: how exactly? The proposition
doesn’t specify but the school districts are to provide the opportunity).
Opponents claim Prop 58 will overturn policies that have improved language
education and reestablish “Spanish-Almost-Only instruction” in public schools.
Read for
yourself. Research each proposition as best you can. Weigh the pros and cons
when making your decision for a yes or no vote.
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