Proposition 1A is an important measure that will protect local
funds from the whims of the state Legislature.
Under the provisions of Proposition 1A, the state will be unable
to siphon off county money raised for fire protection, emergency
medical care, law enforcement and other local services.
Though Proposition 1A will reduce funding options for the state
government, over two-thirds of the Legislature, Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger, the Democratic state controller and various police
and firefighter associations all support this initiative.
This broad-based support shows that even state-level leaders
accept the need for Proposition 1A.
The state government has sucked billions of dollars away from
local governments in recent years, straining the emergency system
and other local services. If the state needs more revenue, it
should raise its own taxes, rather than charge the coffers of local
governments.
Hopefully, Proposition 1A will force the state to live within
its means and properly balance its revenue stream with its
spending.
Proposition 1A is similar to Proposition 65, and in fact
replaces it. Voters who agree with the provisions of Proposition 1A
should take care to vote against Proposition 65 while voting yes on
Proposition 1A.