September 20, 2010

Greater Corona Valley Chamber Positions On November 2010 Ballot Measures
 

The Greater Corona Valley Chamber of Commerce reviewed all statewide ballot measures on the November 2, 2010 statewide ballot. Each measure will have an impact on the Corona Valley business community and the regional economy.

“Statewide ballot measures directly impact the ability for our business community to create jobs,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee. “The Chamber studied each measure and is providing the following information to help guide our businesses when they are ready to make their decisions on each ballot measure,” Schneider continued.

The following list of ballot measures will be on the November 2, 2010 ballot:

Proposition 19: Legalization and Taxation of Marijuana
Corona Valley Chamber Position: NO POSITION

Proposition 19 allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use while permitting local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Furthermore, prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old and maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired.

Proposition 20: Voters FIRST Act for Congress
Corona Valley Chamber Position: SUPPORT

The Proposition 20 extends the responsibilities of the Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) and gives the Commission the authority to draw the boundaries for the United States Congressional Districts.

Proposition 21: Annual Vehicle License Surcharge to Fund State Parks
Corona Valley Chamber Position: OPPOSE

Proposition 21 establishes an $18 annual state vehicle license surcharge and grants free admission to all state parks to surcharged vehicles and requires deposit of surcharge revenue in a new trust fund. The trust funds would be used solely to operate, maintain and repair the state park system, and to protect wildlife and natural resources. The Proposition exempts commercial vehicles, trailers and trailer coaches from the surcharge and requires annual independent audit and review by citizens’ oversight committee.

Proposition 22: Local Taxpayers, Public Safety, and Transportation Act
Corona Valley Chamber Position: SUPPORT

This Proposition would prohibit the State from taking, borrowing or redirecting local taxpayer funds dedicated to public safety, emergency response and other vital local government services. Furthermore, the act would protect vital, dedicated transportation and public transit funds from state raids.

Proposition 23: Suspension of AB 32
Corona Valley Chamber Position: SUPPORT

Also known as the California Jobs Initiative, Proposition 23 would delay the operation and implementation of AB 32 until California’s unemployment rate returns to the levels that existed at the time of its adoption, 5.5% or less, for four consecutive calendar quarters.

Proposition 24: Repeal of Corporate Tax Breaks
Corona Valley Chamber Position: OPPOSE

Proposition 24 would repeal several corporate tax reforms that are slated to go into effect in 2010 and 2012. The corporate tax reforms were approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in February 2009 as part of the budget agreement.

Proposition 25: Legislative Vote Requirement for Passage of State Budget
Corona Valley Chamber Position: OPPOSE

The Proposition changes the legislative vote requirement necessary to pass the state budget from two-thirds to a simple majority. Furthermore, it provides that if the Legislature fails to pass a budget bill by June 15, all members of the Legislature will permanently forfeit any reimbursement for salary and expenses for every day until the day the Legislature passes a budget bill.

Proposition 26: Legislative Vote Requirement for State Levies and Charges
Corona Valley Chamber Position: SUPPORT

Proposition 26 increases legislative vote requirement to two-thirds for state levies and charges, with limited exceptions, and for certain taxes currently subject to majority vote. This Proposition changes the State Constitution to require voters to approve, either by two-thirds or majority, local levies and charges with limited exceptions.

Proposition 27: Elimination State Commission on Redistricting
Corona Valley Chamber Position: OPPOSE

Proposition 27 eliminates 14-member redistricting commission (created by Proposition 11, 2008) selected from applicant pool picked by government auditors and consolidates authority for establishing state Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization district boundaries with elected state representatives responsible for drawing congressional districts.

The Corona Valley Chamber is delaying its consideration of Proposition 18: Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010 due to it being postponed to the November 2012 ballot.