February 23
This initiative proposal would establish a new state program aimed at reducing the costs that certain low- and middle-income residents of the state would pay for prescription drugs purchased at pharmacies.
February 22
The initiative defines corporation tax preferences (which we hereafter refer to as “special corporation tax provisions”) as certain tax laws adopted after January 1, 1985, including: (1) credits; (2) deductions that are not consistent with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) measures that result in special tax rates not available to corporation taxpayers generally; and (4) actions that extend special exemptions, exclusions, and elections to corporation taxpayers.
February 22
The initiative adds to the State Constitution a new section relating to school employment decisions by school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools. Its provisions would supersede collective bargaining agreements with any conflicting provisions enacted after the effective date of the measure. Employment decisions would be broadly defined—including the hiring, terminating, assigning, and compensating employees.
February 22
The measure would increase the state minimum wage from the current $6.75 per hour to $7.25 per hour effective January 1, 2006 and $7.75 per hour effective January 1, 2007. In addition, the measure would require the state to adjust annually—beginning January 1, 2008—the minimum wage rate based on inflation.
February 18
Under this constitutional amendment, state ballot measures which create or increase future voter or governmental body approval requirements above a majority vote would be required to be passed by that same vote requirement. The measure, however, would not apply to vote requirements imposed on the Legislature.
February 17
The proposed initiative requires public employee union funds intended for political purposes to be kept in a separate account. These accounts would be registered with the state, and unions would be required to file financial reports on them. Neither the union nor the public agency employer could contribute to the political accounts. Rather, unions would have to solicit separate contributions to these accounts. (Union dues could be used, however, to communicate with members about political candidates and issues.)
February 16
This measure states that no state or local government limit on appropriations or spending—other than the Article XIIIB appropriations limit and the limit on legislative appropriations discussed above—shall apply until certain educational benchmarks are reached.
February 16
This measure states that no state or local government limit on appropriations or spending—other than the Article XIIIB appropriations limit and the limit on legislative appropriations discussed above—shall apply until certain educational benchmarks are reached.
February 16
This initiative makes three statutory changes to these existing charter school laws: Expands Types of Agencies That May Charter Schools; Lengthens Renewal Period; and Funds Certain Charter School Facility Costs.
February 16
The proposed initiative requires school districts to spend at least 75 percent of operating funds on direct classroom instruction beginning in the first full school year following enactment of the measure. Beginning in the second full school year after enactment, the initiative would require districts to increase the proportion of funds dedicated to direct classroom instruction by 1 percent annually, until it reaches 80 percent. The initiative defines “direct classroom instruction” based on accounting rules developed by the federal government.