Looking Ahead: 12 Measures for Nov?

You may be wondering just how many measures will appear on November’s ballot, and while it’s too early to be precise, it’s fair to say that voters are certainly going to have their hands full, as one can easily expect at least a dozen measures to qualify.

Here’s what we know will definitely appear on the ballot, as these 6 have already qualified:

1. Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012
2. A measure that would restrict union political fundraising by prohibiting use of payroll-deducted funds for political purposes.
3. Insurance: This measure would change current law to permit insurance companies to set prices based on whether the driver previously carried auto insurance with any insurance company.
4. Redistricting: This measure would repeal senate districts drawn by the voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission
5. A measure to repeal the death penalty in California
6. A measure that would increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, including prison sentences up to 15-years-to-life and fines up to $1,500,00

So what’s coming down the line?

Grabbing the most attention perhaps is the governor’s tax proposal, which just recently submitted signatures for qualification and is also bound for the November ballot. Competing with the governor’s tax proposal is an initiative effort backed by wealthy civil rights attorney Molly Munger. This campaign, which is supported by the California State PTA, is wrapping up signature-gathering and is set to submit signatures for qualification as well. It is also expected to make the ballot, as is another tax measure funded by hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer that would close a tax loophole. If you’re keeping count, these three tax measures bring the running total to 9.

Adding to the list is a measure that would require food labels for genetically modified foods. Proponents recently submitted signatures and campaign organizers are confident that they’ll be on the ballot in November. See more here.

The 11th measure that is bound for qualification is an effort that would reform the existing Three Strikes sentencing scheme in California. More than 830,000 signatures of support have been collected. See more here

And bringing us to 12 is the California Forward campaign, which has announced that remaining signatures will be filed for the Government Performance and Accountability Act (GPAA) to qualify for November. This reform initiative would make the following changes: 1. Moving to a two-year state budget cycle; 2. Instituting performance-based budgeting for state and local governments; 3. Reviewing state programs through legislative oversight; 4. Ensuring greater transparency of legislation prior to approval. Proponents have been delaying submission of signatures because they were trying to reach a compromise with legislators. Negotiations are still continuing despite the fact that signatures are going to be submitted because if a deal is struck then a substitute initiative that includes California Forward’s core reforms will be put forward. See more here.

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