What do changing a vote from a majority to 2/3rds, clean energy bills, funding for youth development and protecting parks have in common? Health and prevention. In fact, every decision or policy we make in California has an impact on our health.
Prevention Institute is sharing with you the key California ballot initiatives we've endorsed—and explaining how each of them connect to health.
No on Proposition 26
Proposition 26 would amend the California Constitution, requiring a two-thirds vote (instead of the current simple majority) for any new and increased fees. What it really means is billions less for schools, health and social service programs.
State and local governments use these fees to fund programs that safeguard Californians’ health and environment, such as hazardous waste disposal and injuries related to effects of pollution, like lead poisoning in children. In cities, fees on alcohol retailers are used to fund law enforcement, or education programs to reduce alcohol-related issues including violence, loitering and public drinking.
The more than $4 million raised to date in support of Prop. 26 has come almost exclusively from oil, tobacco and alcohol companies (including Anheuser-Busch, Phillip Morris, Chevron, Exxon Mobil and PepsiCo) who want to insulate industry from harm it causes in California. Passage of Prop 26 will mean that California’s taxpayers bear the financial burden for the damages caused by harmful products and the companies that produce them. Find out more.
Yes on Proposition 21
California State Parks & Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 establishes an annual vehicle license surcharge to fund state parks. A diverse list of supporters seeks to preserve our state’s parks and natural resources and to ensure access to safe places for physical activity. Studies show that people with safe accessible parks are more physically active, and people who are more physically active have lower rates of chronic diseases including diabetes. Find out more.
For a list of local government funding opportunities, visit California Park and Recreation Society.
No on Proposition 23
Health organizations, hospitals and medical professionals throughout California urge strong opposition to Proposition 23, a ballot measure bankrolled by Texas oil companies Valero and Tesoro to repeal the state's clean energy and air pollution reduction standards. Proposition 23 undercuts California’s groundbreaking clean air laws and turns the clock back on efforts to reduce illness and death from air pollution.
The state’s air pollution crisis contributes to thousands of premature deaths and hospitalizations annually and more than 300,000 respiratory illnesses each year for California families. Numerous studies link air pollution exposure to hospitalizations for asthma, as well as illness and premature death from emphysema, lung cancer, heart attacks, diabetes and stroke. Find out more.
Yes on Proposition 25
Every year, budget gridlock hurts schools, threatens vital services and costs taxpayers millions. Prop 25 reforms this system, holding legislators accountable when they fail to pass the budget on time. Prop 25 would end the current requirement that two-thirds of the members of the California State Legislature must vote in favor of the state's budget in order for a budget to be enacted. It also requires state legislators to forfeit their pay in years where they have failed to pass a budget in a timely fashion, and preserves the two-thirds vote required to raise taxes. Find out more.
Yes on BB
Prevention Institute is based in Oakland, and we’re endorsing the city’s Measure BB. This measure enables violence prevention programs administered through the Oakland Department of Human Services to work with community policing and provide a continuum of support for high risk youth and young adults. Find out more.
