By: Lucy Panicacci

Editor-in-Chief

As part of the election on Nov. 5, Californians voted on ten new propositions to implement over the next few years. California citizens decided on issues including government spending for the climate and schools, approval of amendments to the state constitution, and punishment for crimes. According to the Associated Press (AP)’s counts, five out of the ten propositions passed. 

YES on Prop 3: With 62.6 percent approval, Proposition 3, the right to marry, passed. The amendment to the California constitution repeals Prop 8, a measured passed in 2008 banning same-sex marriage. Prop 3 will remove the language defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. Supporters of the measure argue that the same-sex interpretation in California’s constitution should match the US federal constitution’s interpretation, enshrining the right to same-sex marriage in California. Governor Gavin Newsom as well as the California Democratic Party endorsed the prop. 

YES on Prop 2: Proposition 2 authorized a ten billion dollar bond for the repairs and renovations of California K-12 schools and community colleges. After the last 15 billion dollar bond proposal failed to pass, state funding for school repairs ran low. Unlike wealthy school districts, low-income communities do not receive enough funding through property taxes. As a result, districts in which at least 35 percent of students are from low-income families need state support. The money will go towards ensuring California schools meet the minimum safety standards, building facilities such as performing arts auditoriums, and providing educational equipment. 

YES on Prop 4: Prop 4 approved another ten billion dollar bond. This time, the money is meant for environmental and climate projects. The state of California will spend the largest sum of money, 3.8 billion dollars, on water projects to improve water quality and prevent floods and droughts. Additionally, the state will allocate 1.95 billion for nature projects, 1.9 billion for coastal protection, and 1.2 billion for sustainable energy projects. Supporters, such as the National Wildlife Federation, believe it is urgent to provide funds for environmental and climate change projects, while opponents worry about the tax burden of repaying another ten billion dollar bond. 

YES on Prop 35: Prop 35 relates to the tax money surrounding Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid health insurance for people with low-income and disabilities. The passing of this proposition ensures that the taxes paid for healthcare plans go towards Medi-Cal, increasing Medi-Cal’s revenue to reimburse doctors and healthcare providers. 

YES on Prop 36: Prop 36 allows misdemeanor charges for drug possession and thefts under 950 dollars to become felonies, if the defendant has two prior convictions. Under the new felonies, those charged with drug possession are required to complete drug treatment or serve up to three years in prison. 

Too close to call, two props, Prop 34 and Prop 32, remain undecided as AP counts the remaining 25 percent of votes. Prop 34 requires providers to spend prescription drug revenue on patients, while Prop 32 proposes a minimum wage raise to 18 dollars. As AP decides the final results, keep in mind the impact these new props will have on California. 

(Sources: Cal Matters, NBC Los Angeles)