Pacific Progressive

Update on California Initiatives - Feb 3

New Initiative Cleared for Circulation

1439. (09-0089) Imposes Additional Requirements for Voters to Approve Legislature’s Two-Thirds Vote on State Taxes and to Approve Certain Local Taxes and Fees. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. 

Summary Date: 01/22/10 | Circulation Deadline: 06/21/10 | Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Jon Coupal (916) 444-9950

Imposes new requirement for voters to approve state tax measures following a two-thirds vote by the Legislature. Exempts short-term emergency taxes from voter-approval requirement. Increases legislative vote requirement to two-thirds for certain fees and taxes currently subject to majority vote. Prohibits Legislature from imposing taxes, fees and assessments on real property and real property sales and transfers, and certain fines. Requires voters to approve by two-thirds vote certain additional local taxes, fees and charges. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potentially major decrease in state and local revenues and spending in the future, depending upon actions of the Legislature, local governing bodies, and voters

1440. (09-0092) Imposes Additional Requirements for Voters to Approve Legislature’s Two-Thirds Vote on State Taxes and to Approve Local Levies and Charges with Limited Exceptions. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. 

Billionaires for Fee Hikes Attack UCSD Policy of Affordable Higher Education

The Billionaires are right - if you can't afford it, don't go to school!  If you disagree with the Billionaire, go to Forward UCSD

California Budget Available Online

Everyone talks about the California budget, but few people can actually lay their hands on the facts.   The budget report from the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) is available here.  

Here is a summary of the budget proposal.  'A printable copy of the summary is available from the California Labor Federation. 

State Workers Cuts: $1.6 billion

• Cuts salaries by 5% for all workers, including those paid for by Special Funds, by July 2010 when the furloughs end.
• Increases contributions by employees to the pension fund equal to 5% of salary and decreases the employer contribution by 5%.
• Reduces payroll an additional 5% in every department. Department chiefs will have flexibility to determine how best to reduce payroll costs, including layoffs or hiring employees at a lower wage.
• Reduces salaries an additional 5% for state workers if a certain level of federal funding is not received.

Ballot Initiative Update - Auto Insurance Item Qualifies for Ballot and 2 More in AG Office

The initiative which allows auto insurance companies to base their prices is part on a driver's history of insurance coverage has qualified for the June 9, 2010 primary. This initiative was sponsored by Mercury Insurance.  

1381. (09-0028) - Allows Auto Insurance Companies to Base Their Prices in Part on a Driver's History of Insurance Coverage.

Proponent: Christina L. Wilson c/o Chip Nielsen (415) 389-6800

Changes current law to permit insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers who have continuously maintained their auto insurance coverage, even if they change their insurance company, and notwithstanding the ban on using the absence of prior insurance for purposes of pricing. Establishes that lapses in coverage due to nonpayment of premiums may prevent a driver from qualifying for the discount. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: This measure would probably have no significant fiscal effect on state and local governments. 

Two additional initiatives about ballot reform are in the Attorney General's office for review.  Both items are being brought forth by David Spady, a columnist for the conservative Townhall.com site.  Recent posts by Spady include "Schwarzenegger's Costly War on Climate Change" and "Obama Meets Latin America's Left."  He is the President of Media and Public Affairs Strategy in Camarillo and has served as Director of National News and Public Affairs for Salem Communications since 2000.  Salem is a media  company which operates conservative and Christian radio stations, syndicated talk shows, web and print media.  Salem publishes Townhall magazine and website.  

The two initiatives deal with information on ballots.   One deals with the title and summary language of ballot initiatives. The other one deals with putting more complete ballot initiative information on the internet.  

Two Dozen States' Unemployment Funds in the Red, Nine More Within Six Months

by Olga Pierce, ProPublica

This article was published by ProPublica.

The record 20 million Americans who collected unemployment insurance benefits last year landed on a safety net that was already deeply frayed.

New Interactive: ProPublica Predicts if Your State's Unemployment Insurance Fund Is About to Hit the Skids

A historical compromise has left responsibility for unemployment benefits largely in the hands of states, and they have fulfilled this charge with varying degrees of effectiveness.

In a series last summer with public radio’s Marketplace, we reported that only a handful of states had built up reserves sufficient to weather the Great Recession – and forecast a spate of borrowing by states where reserves ran out.

Half a year later, the direst predictions seem to be coming true: So far twenty-five states have borrowed more than $25 billion to keep benefits flowing after their trust funds ran dry. In many other states the situation is deteriorating fast.

Our new unemployment insurance tracker monitors states’ trust funds using the most up-to-date data available on the Web – and projects the health of funds six months into the future. To help readers understand the roots of each state’s fiscal fiasco or success it also pulls together other helpful information and historical data that can be downloaded. According to our projections Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Massachussetts, New Hampshire, Tennesse, and Vermont will find themselves in the red within six months.

Ballot Initiative Update - Jan 2010

Qualified Initiatives -  4

Four initiatives have qualified for the June 2010 ballot and one for the November 2010 ballot.

In June 2010, the initiatives about seismic retrofitting not raising property taxes on a home, open primaries and public financing of elections have been on the qualified list for a while. The newest entry is a two-thirds requirement for local communities to provide electricity thru a community choice program or provided services to new areas. This initiative was written by the electrical power industry to reduce competition from community based programs which allow bulk purchases of electricity and use of renewable energy sources.  

In November 2010, the water bond will be up for a vote. There are good things (like infrastructure) and bad things (like giving too much authority to state water banks and growers of pomegranates) in the bond.  

In for Signature Verification - 1

The measure sponsored by Mercury Insurance allowing insurance companies to give a discount to drivers who have continuously maintained auto insurance in for signature verfiication.  It is due out on Feb 5, 2010. (#1381)

Initiatives are currently in circulation - 62

Public Employee Pay, Pensions, Political Contributions

1435 - Limits Pension Payments That New Public Employees May Receive Upon Retirement. Initiative Statute. 

1434 - Reduces Public Pension and Retirement Health-Care Benefits.

1433 - Reduces Public Pension and Retirement Health-Care Benefits. 

1404 - Imposes Political Contribution Restrictions on Public Employee Labor Organizations 

1403 - Makes Illegal the Use of Public Employee Wage Deductions for Political Activities 

Parental Notification & Fetal Personhood

1411 - Requires Parental Notification Before Terminating Pregnancy of Female Under 18 

1410 - Requires Parental Notification Before Terminating Pregnancy of Female Under 18. 

1409 - Requires Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Terminating Pregnancy of Female Under 18. 

1407 - Requires Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Terminating Pregnancy of Female Under 18. 

1400 - Changes Constitutional Definition of a Person to Include Fertilized Human Eggs. 

This Needs to Look Like California - Redistricting Commission Taking Applications Thru February 12

The Citizens Redistricting Commission will draw the new boundaries for districts which will determine election outcomes for the next 10 years.  The 14 member committee needs a wide variety of members to make it work effectively for everyone.  Applicants who have strong analytical and fact gathering skills, are comfortable with maps and statistics, and have a strong understanding of California's diverse demographics and geography are encouraged to apply.  College professors, community organizers, local elected officials, social activists, and other professionals are encouraged to apply for the commission.  

As of December 28, 2009. 3960 people applied, of which 3327 are tentatively eligible.  Over 82% of the applicants are white and over 76% male.  The Northern Central Valley and Mountain regions dominates with over 34% of the applications. To work well, the redistricting commission needs to represent the diverse make up of California and, to date, the commission isn't looking much like California.

The application deadline is February 12, 2010. For more information, go to We Draw the Lines.

12 Myths About California's Water (and How to Debunk Them)

Twelve legendary myths about California's water supply (or lack thereof) are dissected in Myths of California Water - Implications and Reality, by experts from the Public Policy Institute of California, University of California and Stanford University.  The reality is a real solution to California's water problems is a combination of efforts and compromises by everyone in the State.

1. California is running out of water.
2. (Name you villain) is responsible for California's water problem.  Current most popular villains:  Southern California Homeowners, Agriculture, Endangered Species Act (Delta Smelt and friends)
3. We Can Build Our Way of Out of California's Water Problems (featuring New Surface Water Storage, Peripheral Canal, Dual Conveyance Strategy, and Desalination)
4. We Can Conserve Our Way Out of California's Water Problems 
5. Water Markets Can Resolve California's Water Problems
6. Health Ecosystems Conflict with Business
7. More Water = Healthier Fish
8. Restoring Native Ecosystems is Essential for Recovery of Native Species
9. Communities are Kept Safe by Current Flood Protection Standards
10. California's Water Rights Laws Prevent Reform and Sustainable Management
11. Groundwater is Separate from Surface Water
12. There is a Consensus that Will Keep All Parties Happy

4 Senators and 4 Assemblymembers Need to Get on Board to Stop Sale

We have not heard from these members of our Orange County Sacramento delegation to find out where they stand on stopping the sale of the Fairgrounds.  At this time of the year, the Legislature is home in their districts, so it is a great time to stop by the district office and talk with them about why they sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds must be stopped.  

Ask these elected officials to tell the Governor to stop the sale and to support AB 1590 put forward by Assm. Jose Solorio.

Who We Need to Hear From:  Sen. Bob Huff, Sen. Lou Correa, Sen. Mark Wyland, Sen. Mimi Walters, Assm. Curt Hagman, Assm. Diane Harkey, Assm. Jeff Miller, Assm. Tony Mendoza

Senator Bob Huff - Chairman of the Republican Caucus , 29th Senatorial District

District includes La Habra, Brea, Placentia, Anaheim Hills and Yorba Linda

20888 Amar Road, Suite 205
Walnut, CA 91789
Phone: (909) 598-3981
Fax: (909) 598-6459

Senator Lou Correa - 34th Senatorial District

District includes Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster

(714) 558-4400
2323 N. Broadway, Ste. 245
Santa Ana,  CA  92706

Senator Mark Wyland - 38th Senatorial District

District includes San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano

27126-A Paseo Espada, #1621

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Phone: (949) 489-9838 
Fax: (949) 489-8354

Senator Mimi Walters - 33rd Senatorial District

District includes Buena Park, Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, Villa Park, Santa Ana, Tustin, Tustin Foothills, Lake Forest, Canyon Areas, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Coto de Caza

24031 El Toro Rd. Suite 210
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone: (949) 457-7333
Fax: (949) 457-7305

Assemblyman Curt Hagman - 60th Assembly District

District includes Anaheim, La Habra, Orange, Villa Park, Yorba Linda

13920 City Center Drive, #260
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(909) 627-7021
(909) 627-1841 fax

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey - 73rd Assembly District

District includes Also Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano

29122 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 111
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 347-7301
(949) 347-7302 fax

Assemblyman Jeff Miller - 71st Assembly District

District includes Anaheim, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Orange, Rancho Santa Margarita, Santa Ana, Tustin

20532 El Toro Rd, Suite 203
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 598-7171
(949) 598-7170 fax

Assemblyman Tony Mendoza - 56th Assembly District 

District includes Buena Park

12501 E. Imperial Highway 
Suite 210 
Norwalk, CA 90650 
Tel: (562) 864-5600 
Fax: (562) 863-7466

Community College Emergency Stabilization Fund Act Now in House

The perfect storm has hit the nation's community colleges - higher enrollment caused by high unemployment requires more resources at a time when education funding is being cut.  Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX) have introduced HR 4196, the Community College Emergency Stabilization Fund Act.  

Under the act, $700 million will be available in a one-time allocation designed for the states to use as grants to their community colleges.  Funds can be used for hiring faculty, staff and counselors or keeping the ones they currently have working with students and out of the unemployment line.  $50 million in competitive grants will also be available in a competitive grant program for career and technical colleges.

Community colleges are vital to the economy and play many roles.  For high school students wanting to go to four year schools, they are an affordable way to build transferable credits. For students seeking employment in technical areas or trades, they provide job training.  For laid off employees, they provide job training and a way to successfully re-enter the workforce.  

Reps. Larson and Hinojosa are looking for co-sponsors for the bill and want to have the bill become part of any jobs package put forth by Congress in the near term.  Contact your House member to ask them to sign on.  

Track the bill using THOMAS.

Did a Dianne Feinstein Donor Get Delta Smelt Policy Changed to Protect Pistachios?

Stewart Resnick is a large donor to Senator Dianne Feinstein who also happens to own about 118,000 acres of orchards, which badly need water.  Never heard of Resnick?  Chances are your dollars have gone to him at one time or another - he owns or has owned POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, FIJI bottled water, Teleflora florist wire servce, and the Franklin Mint.  

The Center for Investigative Reporting has all the details - Corporate Farmers Calls Upon Political Allies to Influence Delta Dispute

Berkeley Students Strike to Protest Fee Increases

California is killing the economy by cutting higher education.  Chancellor Mark Yudof was hired from the University of Texas system where he spent several years hiking tuition and fees, privatizing public higher education. Here is what happened at UC Berkeley the week before Thanksgiving. Footage includes the reaction of police to the protestors and allegations of police brutality.

From the Daily Cal.

Don't Be Conned by the California Constitution Convention

The proposed California Constitutional Convention (ConCon) is a a bad idea for several serious reasons. There ConCon is being touted by Repair California as a way to "repair" the "broken" California.  The New America Foundation thinks ordinary citizens will think great thoughts and magically put away their differences to draft a new constitution.  And newspapers from the LA Times to the Sacramento Bee think ConCon is a great idea to break a logjam.

Take a look at the ConCon lifecycle:

1. Two ballot initiatives must be passed. The first allows California to call a ConCon using the initiative system.  The second allows the first ConCon to be held.
2. Delegates are selected for the ConCon by local county supervisors and a random draw of names from each Assembly district.
3. The paid delegates assemble and begin figuring out how to have the ConCon. They then decide what to discuss in the ConCon.  Then, they write the new California Constitution (NewCon).
4. The changes to the current constitution to create NewCon must be passed by the voters as initiatives.  

Here's some issues to ponder.

What does allowing a ConCon actually mean?  

The first ballot measure allows a ConCon to be called once every 10 years.  Once this initiative passes, a ConCon can be called every 10 years. If you thought the initiative process was bad, wait until the entire Constitution is ripped apart every decade.

Delegates get paid?

Yes, they get paid to do this.  Up to $95 million will be authorized by the second ballot initiative to pay for ConCon.  Is this the best way to spend $95 million?

Who gets to be a delegate?  How will they be qualified? Will there be balance?

Anyone who is eligible to vote can become a delegate.  In Orange County, do not be surprised if non-Republican voters are virtually shut out of the process.  It also could be easy for lobbyists and other special interests on both sides to game the system with their "Manchurian Candidates."

Who thinks ConCon is a good idea?

The Bay Area Council is driving the effort. They have gotten other groups, like the Lincoln Club in Orange County, to carry water for them.  The Bay Area Council is a super-sized Chamber of Commerce made up of the largest companies in the nine county San Francisco Bay region.  Members include AIG, Bain & Company, Blue Shield, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Health Net, KB Homes, Centex, McKinsey & Company, VISA, and many other large companies and law firms.  These groups know how the game the system to get what they want, how to shut out the voice of California residents, and have the money to do it.

Maybe that's why it's called ConCon.

Assm. Van Tran Will Carry Bill to Keep OC Fair, Equestrian Center and Marketplace at Fairgrounds

"I will carry a bill to insure the the continuing operation of the equestrian center, Fair and Marketplace," said Assemblyman Van Tran at the end of a nearly 3 hour hearing attended by over 300 members of the public troubled by the sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds.  The informational hearing held in Costa Mesa on November 9, 2009,  was called by Assemblymembers Jose Solorio and Van Tran to both educate the public about the sale process and to get public comments on the sale process. 

It should be noted that all members of the Fair Board present at the meeting and CEO Steve Beazley left the hearing room when public comment started.

During the meeting, both Assemblymembers asked questions about the sale that generated unclear answers from staff and the Fair Board.  The issues were lack of an appraised value for the property, conduct of the Fair Board, and who has final authority to sell the property.   Also during the hearing, the potential for the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 derailing the sale was brought up.

Assm. Solorio was "gravely concerned" about the lack of an appraised value for the property.  Typically, when a piece of real estate is prepared for sale, an appraisal is done by the selling side to determine a selling range.  In residential real estate, the selling agent "runs comps", which is finding out what similar homes have recently sold for, and the mortgage lender will order a formal appraisal to confirm the selling price.  To date, no appraisal has been done on the Orange County Fair and Events Center (OCFEC.)  Both Bob McKinnon, Supervising Real Estate Officer, Office of General Services, and Steve Beazley, CEO OCFEC, argued that the uniqueness of the property meant there is no comparable sale to available, but there are industry accepted techniques for use in such a situation for dealing with such issues.  Selling any piece of property without an appraisal is suspect practice, at best.

In Face of Bankrupt Trust Funds, Virginia Cuts Unemployment Benefits, Nevada Weighs Options

by Olga Pierce, ProPublica

This article is from ProPublica.

Unemployment insurance trust funds in Nevada and Virginia have gone belly up.

Nevada and Virginia join 22 other states that, so far, have borrowed a total of more than $20 billion from the federal government to keep unemployment checks in the mail.

States have until 2011 before they have to start paying interest on their unemployment trust fund loans, but most will struggle to pay them back without raising taxes on employers or decreasing benefits to workers – just as their economies are trying to emerge from recession.

The result of a historical compromise, the U.S. has a patchwork unemployment insurance system where the 50 states, District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico all maintain separate unemployment insurance trust funds, and as we covered in our series with public radio’s Marketplace, each is given wide latitude to set benefits and determine how well -- or poorly -- financed its fund will be.

 (How is your state’s unemployment insurance trust fund doing? Check out our interactive map.)

In Virginia, where the state anticipates borrowing $252 million before the end of the year, the culprit was probably low taxes: the state has the nation’s second-lowest tax rate on employers.