Coming up on November 6th, we will be voting on these 11 propositions on the California ballot for 2018. Everything from cage sizes for farm animals to Daylight Savings Time and housing is included for the state to vote on.
Here’s a quick, non-partisan, look at all of the propositions to vote on so that you’re a responsible and informed voter when you show up to the poll, or fill out your mail-in ballot at home. We’ve also highlighted all four of the real estate related measures – be sure to take an extra close look at these!
*Proposition 1
AKA: The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act
If passed, California would spend $4 billion to help veterans and low-income Californians get access to home loans and affordable housing.
Supporters of Prop. 1 say it will help solve the shortage of affordable housing, and opponents argue it’s a short-term fix that will result in a long-term debt problem.
*Proposition 2
AKA: There’s No Place Like Home act
$2 billion dollars – taken out of the “millionaire tax”, which takes 1% from incomes of $1MM and up for services and programs to help the mentally ill – would be put toward fighting homelessness among people in need of mental health care.
Supporters of Prop. 2 say this could provide up to 20,000 permanent homes, reduce the number of mentally ill on the streets, and save tax payers on things like police and ambulance services. Opponents say money is better spent on treatment – not housing.
Proposition 3
AKA: Water Bonds
The idea is to sell $8.9 billion in state bonds to pay for water recycling, conservation, and projects to improve, protect and restore key habitats. Pro Prop. 3 arguments say this will better prepare us for droughts – new and different situations and projects than the $4.1 billion approved this past June. Anti Prop. 3 arguments say money this won’t go toward the new dam, which is what California really needs to conserve water.
Proposition 4
AKA: Bonds for Children’s Hospitals
Proposition 4 would approve $1.5 billion of bonds to build, expand, renovate and equip qualifying children’s hospitals. A handful of hospitals handle the bulk of pediatric hospitalizations in California and this money goes towards helping them grow, make medical advances, and treat more kids. Opponents point out this would add to the state’s already significant bond debt.
*Proposition 5
AKA: Property Tax Fairness Initiative
This initiative comes from the California Association of REALTORS aimed at creating new homeownership opportunities by generating more sales of single-family homes in existing neighborhoods. By adjusting Prop. 13 – passed in 1978 to keep property taxes low for seniors – we would allow a bigger pool of older people to sell their homes without facing a huge jump in taxes. Opponents argue Prop. 5 will be financed by taxpayers, school kids and others.
Proposition 6
AKA: Repealing the Fuel Tax
If approved, Prop. 6 would end the portion of the gas taxes you pay at the pump and put more money back into drivers’ wallets. It also could end many of the hundreds of road projects already financed by the gas tax and defund many more future projects. All of those projects are expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and related economic growth.
Proposition 7
AKA: Daylight Savings Time
If this one passes, it would leave it up to the Legislature to decide how the state’s time should be set, i.e. a chance to end Daylight Savings Time.
Proposition 8
AKA: The Dialysis One
If passed, Prop. 8 would put a cap on how much outpatient kidney dialysis clinics may charge patients, and impose penalties for excessive bills. Clinics also would be forced to accept most patients, regardless of their insurer, and to report more info to state regulators. Supporters love the transparency that will lead to better management and care, and opponents say this could force clinics to close and leave thousands of sick Californians without care.
*Proposition 10
AKA: Local Rent Control Initiative/Affordable Housing Act
This Prop. would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995 and let cities expand rent control, giving them more freedom to determine their own rules. Refresh: Costa-Hawkins prohibits cities from placing rent controls on housing built after Feb. 1, 1995, and on single-family homes and condominiums. It also allows landlords of rent-controlled properties to raise prices to market levels after a tenant moves out.
Pro Prop. 10 says this could help drive down rents. Opponents say this only makes the problem worse, resulting in shorter housing supply if landlords and apartment developers don’t have incentive to bring properties to the market. Which means the hardest people hit could be low-income renters and seniors.
Proposition 11
AKA: Requiring Ambulance Employees To Be On-Call During Breaks
Pretty self-explanatory. Supporters say the law would bring ambulance driver break rules in line with similar rules for police, firefighters and other emergency service providers. Opponents suggest this is just aimed at helping American Medical Response dodge labor lawsuits currently pending against the company in California.
Proposition 12
AKA: The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative
This would ban the sale of meat and eggs from animals confined in small pens and cages, and define what is and isn’t “too small” by setting specific minimum sizes. The Humane Society is among the supporters of Prop. 12 who say the current cage rules in California are inhumane. Opponents say this could add costs to consumers and could lead to shortages of some meats and eggs.
Thought there was a crazy proposition on the ballet about breaking up the state of California? There was, but it got blocked. Potentially splitting California into three separate states will have to wait for another election day. Just remember, no matter what your views, get out there and vote this November 6th for these propositions on the California ballot for 2018!
