Proposition
76 destroys checks and balances
Kimberlee
Morrison
Checks
and balances are the key ingredients
to keeping the delicate balance of democracy
in place.
It is inefficient, but it works so that no one group has ultimate decision-making
power. Passing Proposition 76 would throw that balance in favor of the governor
to place us, the citizens, at his mercy.
The main focus of Proposition 76 is repealing laws written by the California
legislature and passed by its voters to secure what they consider adequate
funding for education.
This is done in two steps. First, Proposition 76 completely eliminates Proposition
111, legislation passed in 1990, including formulas allowing for the reduction
of funding in low revenue times and increasing funding if the economy so allows,
additionally “repaying” funds that were lacking in low revenue
times. The repayment factor is ridiculous, but because the proposition encapsulates
both elements, they must stay in place.
The second step is the delegation of all financial decision-making to the governor,
enabling him to declare a state of financial emergency and giving him the power
to reduce or eliminate funding wherever he feels necessary. This step eliminates
Proposition 98, legislation passed in 1988 guaranteeing a certain amount of
the California budget for education. It gives the governor “unilateral” power
to redistribute any and all funds in the general budget as he pleases.
The measure would disallow any suspension of Proposition 42, 2002 legislation
which guarantees funding for infrastructure improvements through taxes on gas.
The measure also guarantees repayment of funds “borrowed” from
gas tax revenue.
Since when is infrastructure more important than education? If there is to
be no repayment of education, there should be no repayment for the other funds.
Proposition 76 is poorly written legislation disguised as a way to save California
from its current budget crisis. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants decision-making
power above the representatives of California citizens and the power to do
what he thinks is best for California.
Passing Proposition 76 would make our state a semi-dictatorship with regards
to financial matters. We would have no say on state finances, not just during
Schwarzenegger’s stint as governor but until legislation is enacted to
reverse the potentially devastating results of passing Proposition 76.
Granted, California is in a financial crisis with an out of control budget
deficit. This does not mean we should bow to the governor by removing the checks
and balances of our constitution.
Don’t be suckered and misled by supporters who claim this legislation
is an effort to relieve the “gridlock” and restore a balance of
power to Sacramento.
That is the exact opposite of what Proposition 76 will do. There is no way
giving away our voting and representative power is the answer to California’s
financial woes. Delegating all authority to make decisions does nothing in
the way of balancing anything. Vote no on Proposition 76.
Kimberlee Morrison is a senior occupational studies major.
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