Prepare for the upcoming election this Tuesday by informing yourself on the ballot measures and their possible impact on the state.

Proposition 1: Funds affordable housing for people affected by the California housing crisis

The Housing Programs and Veterans’ Loans Bond’s measure would allow for $4 billion in general obligation bonds to be used for housing-related programs and housing loans for veterans. Supporters argue that supporting the proposition will help veterans, seniors, low-income families and those with disabilities with affordable housing. Opposers argue that the state of California is already in debt and that the bonds may increase property taxes.

Proposition 2: Funds an existing housing program for homeless with mental illnesses

It authorizes the state to use revenue from Proposition 63 – a 1 percent tax on income greater than $1 million a year for mental health services – on $2 billion dollars in revenue bonds to fund homeless prevention housing and other mental health services. Supporters argue that the revenue can be used to build 20,000 supportive housing units and fund mental health and substance abuse services. Opposers argue that it should be up to the county, not the state, to make decisions on housing when it comes to people with mental illness. Opposers also argue that Proposition 2 will help home builders more than it will help those with mental illnesses.

Proposition 3: Funds water-related projects and programs

The Water Infrastructure and Watershed Conservation Bond Initiative would allow the state to authorize $8.77 million towards watershed conservation, groundwater sustainability agencies and public water infrastructure improvements that allow for safe drinking water standards. Supporters argue that by investing in water infrastructure and conservation efforts, California will be better prepared for the effects of droughts, climate change and wildfires. It will also help protect the environment. Opposers argue that the money committed to water issues is not being used to build infrastructures, such as dams – the newest being built in 2003. Opposers also argue that the money raised for water issues has not been used to improve dam structures and spillways, citing the Oroville Dam Crisis.

Proposition 4: Funds hospitals providing health care for children

The Children’s Hospital Bond Initiative, which authorizes 1.5 billion in general obligation bonds to support construction, expansion, renovation and provides improved equipment to children hospitals in California.These funds would help improve California’s 13 children’s hospitals. Supporters argue that California’s children hospitals are equipped to handle complex medical conditions and diseases that other hospitals can not, and that the hospitals need the funds in order to provide more help and expand their medical research that will benefit all children. Opponents to the proposition argue that the cost to taxpayers may not be worth it. It is estimated that the bonds would cost taxpayers $2.9 billion over 35 years.

Proposition 5: Tax break for older property owners

This revises the process for homebuyers, 55 or older, to transfer their property taxes to their new home. They can currently do this however, there are stipulations like the fact that the new house can’t be worth more, you can only get that tax break one time in your life, and the new house has to be in the same county. Proposition 5 would get rid of all of those. Critics say this would cost local governments a billion dollars a year.

Proposition 6: Repeals California’s gas tax increase and new vehicle increase

The measure would repeal 2017’s Senate Bill 1 gas tax and vehicle fee increases and require a public vote on future increases. If it passes, Californians would immediately pay 12 cents less per gallon of gas and $25-$275 less to register your car each year. Critics of the proposition argue it would jeopardize the safety of local transportation and roads by eliminating $5 billion annually.

Proposition 7: Repeal California daylight savings time

Gives the legislature the power to enact year-round daylight saving time, if the federal government allows it as well. It would not make permanent or abolish daylight saving time. Supporters insist that the tradition has a negative impact on health. Critics say children might have to go to school in the morning, while it’s still dark.

Proposition 9: Divide California into three states

Removed from ballot by California supreme court.

Proposition 8: Regulation of kidney dialysis clinics

Requires dialysis clinics to issue refunds for revenue above 15 percent profits. It also prohibits clinics from discriminating against patients based on their payment method. Clinics would also be required to report annual costs, revenue and charges to the state. Critics say companies would get around this by charging more, making healthcare more expensive. They also argue that many clinics could close if this proposition is passed.

Proposition 10: Allows expanded rent control on residential property

Permits local governments to adopt rent control on all types of rental housing. It will repeal the current state law that restricts the extent of rent control policies that cities, and other local jurisdictions, may inflict on residential property. Proposition 10 can potentially cause a net reduction in state and local revenues. The opposition argues that the measure would make the housing crisis worse and it has a negative effect on property owners.

Proposition 11: Ambulance workers to remain on call during rest breaks

Requires private-sector emergency ambulance employees to be on-call during their work breaks. It’ll eliminate certain employer liability. Laws entitling hourly employees to break without being on-call would not apply to private-sector ambulance employees. Workers will be paid at a regular rate while being on-call during their break. Proposition 11 will require for employers to provide additional training to EMTs and paramedics. The opposing side believes workers would be overworked and less effective during their shifts.

Proposition 12: Improves conditions for farm animals

The measure will establish a new standard for certain farm animals to be raised in confinement. It will prohibit meat and egg sales from animals that weren’t raised in the proper requirements. Furthermore, the proposition will establish a minimum space requirement for egg-laying hens, calves raised for veal and breeding pigs. It can potentially decrease state income tax revenues from farm businesses. The opposition argues additional rules will drive prices up and force out certain farmers.

Information gathered on the California ballot measures courtesy of

https://www.californiachoices.org/ballot-measures-2018-11

http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/

https://ballotpedia.org/November_6,_2018_ballot_measures_in_California

Yaritza Ayon, Justin Jackson and Brian Luong can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.