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ELECTION 2024 – CityWatch looks ahead to the upcoming November 2024 election as Californians will face a ballot packed with significant propositions that could shape the state's future across various sectors. Voters will consider measures ranging from expanding local rent control authority and raising the minimum wage to $18, to providing permanent funding for Medi-Cal services and increasing penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. Additionally, several bond measures aimed at funding public infrastructure, housing, and climate protection projects will be up for approval. These propositions reflect a broad array of social, economic, and environmental issues, underscoring the importance of this election for the Golden State's residents.
Here are the propositions for the November 2024 election in California, along with their numbers and summaries:
Proposition 32: Raises Minimum Wage to $18. This initiative statute aims to increase California's minimum wage from the current $16 per hour to $18 per hour by January 1, 2025, for employers with 26 or more workers, and by January 1, 2026, for employers with 25 or fewer workers. The measure also includes provisions for adjusting the minimum wage annually for inflation thereafter.
Proposition 33: Expands Local Governments' Authority to Enact Rent Control. This initiative statute would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, allowing cities and counties to implement or expand rent control ordinances without state limitations. It could result in reduced state and local revenues in the high tens of millions of dollars annually.
Proposition 34: Restricts Spending by Health Care Providers. Requires certain health care providers to allocate 98% of revenues from federal discount prescription drug programs to direct patient care. It applies to providers with significant non-direct care expenditures and severe housing violations. Non-compliance could lead to license revocations and loss of tax-exempt status.
Proposition 35: Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services. Makes permanent the existing tax on managed health care plans, currently set to expire in 2026. Funds are designated for various Medi-Cal services and cannot replace existing funding. Administrative costs are capped, and independent audits are required.
Proposition 36: Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes. Allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and thefts under $950 with prior convictions. It increases sentences for other specified crimes and could significantly increase state criminal justice system costs.
Proposition 37: Authorizes Bonds for Public School and Community College Facilities. Proposes issuing $15.5 billion in bonds to fund construction and modernization projects for public schools and community colleges.
Proposition 38: Climate and Flood Protection Bond Measure. Issues $6 billion in bonds to fund flood protection and climate-related projects.
Proposition 39: Youth Housing Program Bond Measure. Proposes $1 billion in bonds to support the state's youth housing program.
Proposition 40: Flood Protection Bond Measure. Proposes issuing $4.5 billion in bonds for flood protections.
Proposition 41: Housing Bond Measure. Proposes issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund rental housing and homeownership programs for certain income thresholds.
Proposition 42: Family Home Construction and Homeownership Bond Measure. Proposes $25 billion to fund the state Family Home Construction and Homeownership Act.
These propositions cover a range of issues including housing, healthcare, criminal justice, education, and environmental protection. The propositions requiring direct funding through bond measures are 37 through 42, amounting to a total of $62 billion. For more detailed information, you can refer to sources like the California Secretary of State and Ballotpedia.
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