California’s Propositions 1A-F are a Fraud – Vote NO!

Propositions 1A-F are up for election on May 19 in California. Get out and Vote NO on ALL of them!

The measures are set up as a "family"- all measure 1, but with alphabetical sub-designations to divide distinct items as Propositions 1-A through 1-F. This listing tends to produce confusion among the voters on the various parts of the "family" of propositions, making it more difficult for voters to remember which to favor and which to oppose on a divided ballot. It is a way of getting voters to vote on the "package" without looking carefully at the contents. Unfortunately, some will fall for this calculated ruse. Taxpayers deserve more than cynical ruses from their government.

In this election, California voters are facing a barrage of unparalleled falsehoods and misrepresentations. Proponents of these bogus measures called for a May vote hoping for a low voter turnout. Do not be fooled.

Proposition 1-A: THE "RAINY DAY" BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND

VOTE NO. If politicians could be prosecuted for deceptive advertising this little item would land a bunch of Sacramento hacks in jail. According to the Secretary of State's Ballot Label for this proposition, the measure would "limit future deficits by increasing the State's 'rainy day' fund," but it would also exact "higher state tax revenues of roughly $16 billion." Yes, Proposition 1-A is nothing less than the authorization of a massive tax increase to deposit in a state "reserve;" but these additional reserve funds are intended to be spent when state revenues drop below the amount "needed" to fund the government. Those who decide how many dollars are "needed" to fund the government also decide when to spend the reserve. In the end, the State "Rainy Day" reserve is nothing more than another pot of money to feed the big government monster.

Proposition 1-B: EDUCATION FUNDING. PAYMENT PLAN

VOTE NO on this "save now - pay later" scheme. The Secretary of State says, "Potential state savings of up to several billion dollars in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Potential state costs of billions of dollars annually thereafter." Temporary cuts to education made now will be added back to the education budget later and taxpayers will receive the bill for the "repayment."

Proposition 1-C: LOTTERY MODERNIZATION ACT

VOTE NO on this shell-game gamble. If "modernizing" means increasing the public debt by writing IOU's in the name of California taxpayers to the California State Lottery, then this could rightfully be considered as a contribution to progress. The State is having problems selling its unsustainable debt instruments to investors, so why not just strongarm some more credit from one of its own public-private partnerships?

Proposition 1-D: CHILDREN'S SERVICES FUNDING

VOTE NO on this bait and switch sham. The California Legislature imposed a tax on cigarettes a few years back on the pretence that the new tax would yield money for early childhood programs. Now, here is that same Legislature in your face telling you that it wants to move that money around in whatever way it sees fit. Make a promise. Find an excuse. Break the promise. See a pattern here?

Proposition 1-E: MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING.
TEMPORARY REALLOCATION

VOTE NO on this hand-is-quicker-than-the-eye scam. Californians voted in 2004 to provide funds for specific mental health services. It was called Proposition 63. Now comes the Legislature to undo the work of the supporters of Proposition 63 by getting what they hope is a forgetful public to take money from that purpose and give it over to another purpose. So much for public earmarks! You may get your wish today, but ultimately all forms of revenue will go to the general fund where politicians can use it to meet their own agendas. Don't fall for this undermining of the California initiative process.

Proposition 1-F: ELECTED OFFICIALS' SALARIES. PREVENTS PAY INCREASES DURING BUDGET DEFICIT YEARS

VOTE NO. The measure only empowers the Director of Finance to prevent the Citizens Compensation Commission from recommending an increase when a deficit year is declared. Of course, the politicians can still pass their own increases; but even if they don't, it would be a small loss compared to the big money showered on their campaigns by the unions and other special interests.

Don't ignore this election. If you do not vote no, chances are that union workers will vote to force you to pay higher taxes. As long as you allow California's legislators and governor to spend your money, they will continue to spend your money until you go broke. Go out and vote - and VOTE NO!