Your “yes” vote on one California proposition can save public education; a “no” vote on another can protect workers
by Zenei Cortez
Are you one of those voters who is absolutely sure for whom you are going to vote on November 6? Great!
Do you know how you are going to vote on the 11 propositions that will also be on the California ballot this year? If not, don’t worry. There is still time to study them and be an informed voter when you get into the ballot box.
What are propositions and why should you care?
In California, a ballot proposition is a proposed law that is presented to the voters for approval in a direct election. It can be a constitutional amendment or an ordinary statute. The California State Legislature can introduce propositions. But in a great example of what a democracy is, any California voter can put an initiative or proposition on the ballot if the qualifying steps are followed.
Now, if you are thinking, “I don’t have time to waste on figuring out my vote on the propositions. What difference does it make anyway?” Consider the following.
As far back as 1912, a proposition to abolish the death penalty failed to garner enough votes to pass. In 1979, there were 39 initiatives on the ballot and only three passed!
If you want an example that hits closer to home, consider Proposition 209, the California Civil Rights Initiative, which was passed in November 1996. It amended the state constitution to prohibit state government institutions from considering race, sex or ethnicity, specifically in the areas of public constitution (think state college enrollment), public employment or public contracting.
And then there was Proposition 227, known as the English for the Children Initiative, which was passed in 1998. It effectively dismantled bilingual education in the state. This despite research that continues to show that bilingual works.
This year, two ballots demand your attention, and we hope your “yes” and “no” vote.
Proposition 30—the Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act
Proposition 30 prevents $6 billion in schools cuts, puts money back into California’s schools and colleges, and protects students by keeping the school year from being shortened and class sizes increased. It also keeps cops on the street, balances the state budget and protects taxpayers and protects patient safety standards. Vote “YES” on Proposition 30.
Proposition 32—the Paycheck Protection Initiative
Proposition 32 is an attack on labor. It poses a threat to minimum wage, retirement pay, health care benefits, Workmen’s Compensation and many more workers’ safeguards. As written, proposition 32 effectively removes the right of unions to raise money for political campaigns in California. It only serves the very rich and large corporations. Vote ”NO” on Proposition 32.
To learn more about all of this year’s propositions, visit the California Secretary of State Web site: http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
Zenei Cortez is the Co-President of the California Nurses Association and Vice President of National Nurses United with 185,000 members across the USA.
