PROP 25 - CHANGES LEGISLATIVE VOTE REQUIREMENT TO PASS THE BUDGET AND BUDGET RELATED ITEMS FROM 2/3s to A SIMPLE MAJORITY

PROP 25 IN BASIC TERMS:

- Prop 25 seeks to change the current two-thirds majority to a simple majority vote requirement for state budget and spending bills to be passed. If State Legislators fail to pass the budget by June 15, Prop 25 requires them to "permanently forfeit their pay" and travel or living expenses reimbursements for every day until a budget bill is passed. If approved, Prop 25 amends Section 12 of Article IV of the California Constitution.

A LITTLE CIVICS REFRESHER:

Simple Majority - When the highest number of votes determines the result. At a minimum it is a subset "consisting of more than half of the group."

Super Majority - When more than a "simple majority" vote is required to approve an item. In California we currently have a 2/3 Super majority requirement for a State budget and for Parcel tax ballot measures. We have a 55% super majority for a School Bond measures.

ARGUMENTS FOR A YES ON 25:

- It "breaks legislative gridlock by allowing a simple majority of legislators to approve the budget -- just like in 47 other states."

- Legislators will be held accountable if they fail to pass a budget on time.

- Any year the budget is not sent to the Governor on time, state legislator compensation would be reduced by approximately $50,000 for each late day.

- Prop 25 does maintain the super majority vote requirement for raising taxes.

ARGUMENTS FOR A NO ON PROP 25:

- July 26, 2010 - Governor Schwarzenegger - "I even don't believe in doing the budget by a simple majority. Because if you do a budget by simple majority, again, there is one party that will make all the decisions."

- Prop 25's "real motivation" is to make it easier for the California government to spend more money and raise taxes.

- Takes away voter rights by eliminating the veto referendum process to force a vote on budget and tax items.

- Allows the state to claim that the budget is balanced when it is not.

PROP 25 A SUMMARY:

Y - On Prop 25 allows us to change the budget passing requirement to a simple majority, from a 2/3 majority. Will also hold legislators accountable by imposing "sanctions" for late passage.

N - On Prop 25 will have the State maintain a 2/3 majority requirement to pass the budget.

For more information on Prop 25 go to http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_25,_Majority_Vote_for_Legislature_to_Pass_the_Budget_%282010%29

Also watch ABC7'S coverage of this item.