California Proposition 56 (2004)
From Ballotpedia
Proposition 56 was on the March 2, 2004 primary ballot in California as an initiated constitutional amendment, where it was defeated.
- Yes: 2,185,868 (34.3%)
- No: 4,183,188 (65.7%)
It was intended to penalize politicians for every day that the state budget is overdue. The proposition would also have lowered the threshold required pass a budget and enact new budget-related taxes to 55% from the 2/3 vote currently required. The 2/3 supermajority was created with the passage of California Proposition 13 in 1978. Prop. 56 was officially known as the Budget Accountability Act.
Donations to pass the measure exceeded $15.8 million, while donations to defeat the measure were in the range of $9.4 million.
Official summary
- Permits Legislature to enact budget and budget-related tax and appropriation bills with 55% vote rather than 2/3 vote currently required.
- Requires that Legislature, Governor permanently lose salary, expenses for each day budget is late.
- Requires that Legislature stay in session until budget is passed.
- Requires budget summary in state ballot pamphlet and link to Internet website with legislators' voting records on budget and related taxes.
- Requires 25% of certain state revenue increases be deposited in reserve fund, which cannot be used to increase spending.
Fiscal impact
The fiscal estimate provided by the California Legislative Analyst's Office said:
- This measure would have varying state fiscal impacts from lowering the legislative vote requirement for budget-related spending and tax increases - including changes in spending and potentially significant increases in state tax revenues in some years. Fiscal impacts would depend primarily on the composition and actions of future Legislatures.
Supporters
The primary financial supporters of Prop. 56 were SEIU/the California State Council of Service Employees at $9 million, and the California Teachers Association at $2.2 million. The California Republican Party gave $750,000 to defeat it.
The ballot arguments in favor of Proposition 56 were signed by:
- Lenny Goldberg, Executive Director, California Tax Reform Association
- Jacqueline Jacobberger, President, League of Women Voters of California
- Carla Nino, President, California State PTA
- Helen Russ, President, California AARP
- Dan Terry, President, California Professional Firefighters
See also
External links
- Voter Information Guide with text of Proposition 56
- California Voter Foundation Guide to Proposition 56
- Donor details of Proposition 56, pro and con.
- March 2, 2004 ballot proposition election results
- LAO analysis of Proposition 56
- Smart Voter on Proposition 56
