Election Endorsements

Proposition Recommendation
Statewide Special Election - May 19, 2009

CAPA is nonpartisan. Our Board Members studied, analyzed, and debated the merits of each Proposition. We make our recommendations in the interests of CAPA and its members. A 2/3 majority vote of the Board is required for each endorsement. These results are published as guidelines for your use.

PROPOSITION 1A: State Budget. Neutral
Limits state spending and increases "Rainy Day" Budget Stabilization Fund by: (1) the establishment of an annual spending limit to begin in fiscal 2010-11; (2) the extension beyond fiscal 2009-10 of certain tax increases enacted as part of the budget plan; and (3) the authority of the Governor to reduce certain types of spending without legislative approval.

The CAPA Board is taking a neutral position on Prop 1A. The Board would support real budget reform. However, the provisions of the present measure are not optimally designed.

PROPOSITION 1B: Education Funding. Yes
This measure requires the state to make $9.3 billion in supplemental payment to K-14 education over approximately five to six years beginning in 2011-12.

The CAPA Board supports full funding of public education.

PROPOSITION 1C: Lottery Modernization Act. No
This measure would make changes in state lottery operations to increase its profitability and allows the state to issue $5 billion in bonds that are "securitized" by future lottery profits.

The CAPA Board does not necessarily condone increased gambling and concludes that in the long run, higher payment to education could not be covered by "increased" lottery profits.

PROPOSITION 1D: Children's Services Funding. No
Proposition 1D amends the California Children and Families Act to allow temporary use of a significant proportion of Proposition 10 (passed in 1998) funds to pay General Fund costs for existing programs for children up to age 5.

The CAPA Board opposes this measure because it is a stopgap - it gives the illusion that real improvements are being made.

PROPOSITION 1E: Mental Health Services Funding. No
For the next two years, Prop 1E would redirect about $230 million a year from the Mental Health Service Act (Proposition 63 of 2004) to the state General Fund to replace state funding for an existing screening, diagnosis and treatment program.

The CAPA Board concludes that this proposition raids existing programs to create temporary "savings," but makes less money available for some services.

PROPOSITION 1F: Elected Officials' Salaries. Yes
A Yes vote would prevent Pay Increases for Elected Officials during Budget Deficit Years.