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Over widespread voter disapproval, Governor Schwarzenegger is going to hold his damn-fool special election tomorrow, November 8. Gee, he's already shunning Bush's appearances in California, hoping to check his own slide in the opinion polls. I'm afraid his insistence on spending taxpayer money on the election--and backing horrendous legislation, t'boot--won't exactly help him. If you're a registered voter in California, assuming you haven't already cast an absentee ballot, please show up at the polls. The measures 73-77 Ahnie Baby is backing, but for one, look like they might be dead in the water--fortunately. The one that appeared at last polling to enjoy about even support by California voters, though, is creepy. Here's the rundown: Proposition 73 --- Waiting period and parental notification before termination of a minor's pregnancy. This is the one that actually seems to enjoy some popular support in this state, and it's a doozy. As the mailer from the Democrats points out, "Rewriting the constitution to add anti-abortion language and deny health care is not the answer -- especially for victims of rape, incest or abusive homes." Vote NO. Proposition 74 -- Public school teachers. Waiting period for permanent status. Dismissal. Increases the mandatory period for tenure from two to five years. Makes it easier to dismiss under-performing teachers. As the Democrats point out, it doesn't do anything to promote basics like teacher training or availability of classroom supplies -- it just scapegoats teachers. Vote NO. Proposition 75 -- Public employee union dues. Restrictions on political contributions. Employee consent requirement. Makes it harder for unions to back legislation that might jeopardize the whims of Republicans or big money. The Democrats point out, strongholds of Schwarzenegger's backers, such as business groups, face no limits of the kind on their fundraising. Vote NO. Proposition 76 -- State spending and school funding limits. It would restrict state spending on public education to the prior years' level plus three years' average revenue growth. "It gives the governor new power to cut more funding for schools, public safety, even healthcare -- with no legislative or voter approval," say the Democrats. Vote NO. Proposition 77 -- Redistricting. Amends process for redistricting the state's Senate, Assembly, and Congressional Board of Equalization districts, using three-member panel of retired judges. They would gerrymander without accountability, using old census data. Vote NO. Proposition 78 -- Discounts on perespription drugs. Phony healthcare reform, sponsored by drug manufacturers. "They loaded it with loopholes," say the Democrats. "It is voluntary (to participating drug companies and pharmacies). No one enforces it." Vote NO. Proposition 79 -- Prescription drug discounts. State-negotiated rebates. Real, sorely needed healthcare reform. Provides drug discounts to Californians with qualifying incomes. Funded by state-negotiated drug manufacturer rebates. Vote YES.
Proposition 80 --
Subjects electrical service providers to regulation by California Public Utilities Commission. Vote YES. |