OPPOSE
The Chamber opposes the following measures:
Prop. 86: Tax on Cigarettes. This measure increases the state’s excise tax by 300 percent, adding an additional $2.60 per pack tax to the price of cigarettes sold in California, with the majority of the revenue used to pay for unrelated medical costs.
Prop. 87: Alternative Energy. Research, Production, Incentives. Tax on California Oil. This measure places a new tax only on oil produced in California (the source of almost half the gasoline consumed in the state). This would increase California’s dependence on foreign and imported oil by significantly adding to the cost of oil production. It also would divert funds that would be available for domestic oil exploration and development. Californians Against Higher Taxes is the coalition leading the campaign opposing Proposition 87.
Prop. 88: Education Funding. Real Property Parcel Tax. Imposes new, statewide parcel tax on real property to further increase education spending while doing little to address the state’s need for education reform.
Prop. 89: Political Campaigns. Public Financing. Corporate Tax Increase. Contribution and Expenditure Limits. This initiative increases corporate income taxes to pay for publicly financed campaigns. The proposition limits corporate contributions or spending to $10,000 to support or oppose any state ballot measures. In addition, it prohibits corporate contributions to candidates who opt to receive public funding. Proposition 89 spells disaster for business in politics and gives anti-business forces the upper hand in campaigns.
Prop.90: Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property. Increases taxpayer costs by allowing anyone to sue; increases the cost of public infrastructure projects; and threatens affordability/reliability of state energy supplies by making it more difficult for utilities to site and add increased transmission capabilities.
NO POSITION
The Chamber has no position on the following measures since they are not business issues:
Prop. 83: Sex Offenders. Sexually Violent Predators. Punishment, Residence Restrictions and Monitoring. Increases penalties for violent and habitual sex offenders and child molesters.
Prop. 85: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy. Amends the state Constitution to prohibit abortion for an unemancipated minor until 48 hours after the physician notifies the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
Mr. Rose is President of the Chamber of Commerce.
