In this election cycle, some ballot propositions have gotten more attention than others. Prop 24 is one that deserves a higher profile. In the 2008 and 2009 budget deals, Republicans demanded and won new corporate tax loopholes worth at least $1.3 billion per year. Because of that, teachers are going to be laid off and other public services cut once those tax breaks go fully into effect next year – all so that the rich can get richer.
The Courage Campaign (where I work as Public Policy Director) doesn’t think that’s right. We put together a new video showing what happens when a voter sleeps through the election – and what happens to all those fired teachers. Watch it:
And if you like it, click here to share it!
Of course it should pass but it won’t–why? Because as a referendum initiative it can’t specify where the taxes are to go.
On the other hand, Prop 25 should pass (and, unfortunately, I’m betting Prop 26 does also). What is the game plan, then?
First, all revenue raising initiatives need to specify where the money is to go. Oil severance for UC, cigarette taxes for health, split rolls for K-12, etc. Remember, the
millionaire’s tax passed because it went to mental health.
Second, their should be a revenue measure on every general election ballot. Some will pass, some will fail, but keep at it, until California is funded again.
Third, progressives ace in the hole is minorities, particularly Latinos. Whitman’s wining among whites, but that won’t do it anymore–this isn’t 1994. Education, health care, and housing are important issues for the emerging Latino middle class. Let’s give them solutions to those issues.
While I fully support Prop. 24 and urge everyone to vote for it, it is quite a longshot in terms of actually passing.
At the same time, the anti-Prop. 25 folks have re-doubled their efforts to defeat it. And since the primary funders of Props 24(yes) and 25(yes) overlap substantially, it seems to make strategic sense to me to move financial resources to make sure Prop. 25 passes. It’s ahead in the polls, but it’s not a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination.
I hope the teachers (and others) see this reality and do whatever they can to make sure Prop. 25 passes!