Join us in voting for a better L.A.

Tomorrow, as you view your election ballot, you will find many issues that are critical to L.A. businesses and the economy today, and for many years to come. In an effort to provide you with the business perspective on these issues, the L.A. Area Chamber has developed a voting guide.

Below is a list of the major ballot issues impacting business in L.A. and the Chamber's position on each. To view the full guide or to print a copy to take with you to the polls, click here. We hope you'll join us in voting for a better L.A.

SUPPORT

Proposition 20 - Voters FIRST redistricting reform for Congress
Will add the task of re-drawing congressional district boundaries to the Citizens Redistricting Commission created by Prop. 11 (2008). California is best served by allowing the non-partisan, independent commission to redraw all of California’s legislative districts following the 2010 census. This will be an open, transparent public process that protects communities rather than politicians. The Chamber was an original proponent of Prop. 11 and is a steering committee member of Yes on Prop. 20 & No on Prop. 27.

Proposition 22 - Local Taxpayers, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act
Prohibits State government from taking designated types of local funds. Sacramento often raids local government funds in order to backfill the State’s chronic budget deficit. This initiative will help protect cities and counties while at the same time forcing Sacramento to better manage the state budget process.

Proposition 26 - Requires supermajority for new State fees and taxes
Will require a 2/3 vote in the Legislature to pass new taxes and fees. Increasingly, the State Legislature seeks to increase taxes by calling them “fees” which only requires a simple majority. This initiative would protect taxpayers from hidden taxes disguised as fees.

OPPOSE

Proposition 19 - Marijuana Legalization
Would permit the personal culitivation, possession, transport and use of marijuana. The Chamber agrees that the “war on drugs” is a failure and that it is necessary to pursue alternative methods to control and regulate marijuana. Unfortunately, Prop. 19 is poorly written and cannot be improved without a subsequent initiative.

Proposition 24 - Repeals job creating tax incentives
Would eliminate three important job-creating tax incentives approved by the Legislature in 2008 and 2009. Prop. 24 will stop these incentives from going in to effect and put struggling California businesses at a disadvantage at the worst possible time in our economic recovery.

Proposition 25 - Implements simple majority vote requirement to pass a budget
Would reduce the threshold for passing a State budget from 2/3 to a simple majority. While reforming the 2/3 budget vote is important, Prop. 25 is flawed in that it also lowers the Constitutional vote requirements for the State Legislature to pass or raise taxes and increase legislators’ tax-free expense accounts. In addition, it restricts your Constitutional right to repeal bad laws and fees at the ballot box.

Proposition 27 - Transfers redistricting back to State Legislature
Voters beware! This self-serving initiative would repeal Prop. 11 (and Prop. 20, if passed) and return the task of redistricting to the California State Legislature. Funded almost exclusively by politicians, Prop. 27 is a major step backwards for political reforms in California and would ensure another decade of extreme partisanship as lawmakers carve up districts to choose their voters in order to protect their incumbency.

NEUTRAL

Proposition 21 - $18 Annual vehicle license fee to fund state parks
Would add an $18 annual surcharge to the amount paid when a person registers a motor vehicle. Revenue collected through this initiative would provide funding for state parks and wildlife conservation.

Proposition 23 - Suspension of AB 32
Would temporarily suspend AB 32 until the State's unemployment rate drops to 5.5 percent or less for four consecutive quarters. The L.A. Area Chamber appreciates arguments on both sides of this proposition and has taken a neutral position.

And that's The Business Perspective.