Council Announces Positions on Ballot Measures

The Bay Area Council Executive Committee has taken positions on a number of statewide measures and one local measure appearing on the June and November ballots. The Council continues to analyze other initiatives that have been proposed for the November ballot. Thank you to all Bay Area Council members who participated in the survey

Measure B, San Jose Pension Reform (June 2012)

Summary: With the unsustainable cost of public pensions imperiling fiscal stability, Mayor Chuck Reed has crafted a bold measure that treats existing employees fairly and establishes prudent reforms to San Jose’s retirement system.  The outcome of this measure could have statewide implications. Making public retirement systems more fiscally sustainable is among the Council’s lead priorities.

Position:  Support

Proposition 28: Limits on Legislators’ Terms in Office (June 2012)

Summary: Reduces the total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature to 12 years, but increases number of terms a person could serve in either the Assembly or Senate. This measure would allow legislators to develop the greater policy expertise to lead California.  This measure will enable legislators to better focus on developing sound public policies, instead of having to run for their next office.

Position: Support

Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Act (November 2012)

Qualified for the November ballot

Summary: This proposed measure would allow the state to borrow $11.1 billion to overhaul the state’s water system. The Bay Area Council participated significantly in the development of the compromise that led to this package and to it being placed on the ballot.

Position:  Support

Tax for Education and Early Childhood Programs (November 2012)

Circulating for November ballot qualification

Summary:  The proposed initiative is well-intentioned but does not include any reforms to address California’s structural budget problems and improve our low-performing education system. Major studies have consistently indicated that reform must accompany new investment. The measure would introduce an across-the-board 1 percent increase in state income tax rates for most Californians, expiring after 12 years and generating an estimated $10 billion earmarked for public school districts and early childhood development programs.

Position: Oppose

The Government Performance and Accountability Act (November 2012)

Circulating for November ballot qualification

Summary:  This proposal calls for sensible budgeting, accountability and governance reforms, by establishing two-year state budget cycle; prohibiting the Legislature from creating expenditures of more than $25 million unless offsetting revenues or spending cuts are identified; permitting the Governor to cut budget unilaterally during declared fiscal emergencies if Legislature fails to act; requiring performance reviews of all state programs; and, requiring performance goals in state and local budgets, among other features.

Position: Support