Sami Linden

Graphics Designer

During the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 6, voters across the country handed in ballots, voting for not only their favorite candidates but also choosing whether or not they supported various state propositions. Below, El Gato News provides a summary of the results of the 11 California propositions on the ballots, and what those final decisions mean for citizens.

Proposition 1: Bonds to Fund Veteran & Affordable Housing – YES                         California voters elected to issue this $4 million bond, which funds the construction of affordable housing. Of that money, $1.8 billion will be targeted towards building multi-family homes, while the rest aims to help developers and provide loans for veterans to purchase homes. The bond makes an attempt to correct California’s housing crisis; however, it will cost taxpayers $5.9 billion over 35 years.

Proposition 2: Amend Existing Housing Program for Mental Illness – YES                      This proposition calls for the Mental Health Services Act to fund the No Place Like Home Program in order to finance housing for those diagnosed with mental illnesses. With a 61% majority vote in favor of the action, the state can now use county mental health funds to pay for additional housing projects.

Proposition 3: Bond for Water and Environmental Projects – NO                                   Voters denied $8.877 billion in bonds for infrastructure projects. As a result, the state will not use this money to fund water and environmental programs.

Proposition 4: Bond for Children’s Hospital Construction – YES                                          The state is now authorized to use $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds for projects on qualifying children’s hospitals, such as construction, expansion, and renovation. Specialized children’s hospitals provide care for millions of patients, and Proposition 4 directs funds to improve these facilities, yet it may also increase the state’s debt.

Proposition 5: Senior Property Reduction – NO                                                                           A majority voted against this proposition that would have allowed homeowners age 55 and older and severely disabled homeowners to transfer their tax rate from their current home to a less expensive home purchased elsewhere in California. This would have reduced funding for institutions such as local services and public schools. However, these same homeowners are still eligible for property tax savings when moving to a new home.

Proposition 6: Repeal of Fuel Tax Approved by Voters – NO                                            Voters chose not to repeal the recent fuel taxes, meaning fuel and vehicle taxes that Legislature passed will still be in effect. In the future, Legislature will still need voters’ approval before changing or increasing any fuel or vehicle taxes in the state.

Proposition 7: Change Daylight Savings Time Period – YES                                                After voting “yes” on Proposition 7, citizens gave the state the ability to keep daylight savings time year round. Any change would still require a two-thirds majority vote at the state level before putting it into effect, as well as approval from the federal government.

Proposition 8: Regulates Kidney Dialysis Treatment Charges – NO                                         A majority of voters elected not to limit how much dialysis treatment centers could charge insurers. As a result, dialysis centers will not have their revenue limited by a formula; however, locations that would have closed after the regulations will remain in business.

*The California Supreme Court removed Proposition 9 from the ballot on Jul. 18, 2018.

Proposition 10: Rental Control on Residential Property – NO                                 Proposition 10 will not be put into effect, and state laws will continue to limit the types of rent control cities and counties can create and have.

Proposition 11: Emergency Ambulance Employees on-call – YES                                       This proposition enforces the new rule that EMTs and paramedics must stay on-call and keep their radios and pagers turned on during breaks. Employees will continue to respond to 911 calls throughout their rest time, ensuring that personnel will be available to help during disasters.

Proposition 12: Farm Animals Confinement Standards – YES                                            With the majority of voters in favor of Proposition 12, farmers will be required to comply to new requirements for livestock enclosures. This will provide more space for hens, pigs, and cows, and business in California will not be able to sell products from farms that do not meet the specifications.

(Sources: CA Official Voter Guide, NYTimes, KQED)