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Death and taxes
California has 17 ballot initiatives on the state ballot this year. In this election special we sort out why the state opted for direct democracy and look at Propositions 55, 62 and 66, which deal with death and taxes.
By Warren Olney • • 28m ListenCalifornia voters have 17 state ballot initiatives to decide this year. That doesn't include local measures. How did the state end up with so many and is the system working the way it was intended? We sift through three measures in this election special: Propositions 55, 62 and 66. Death and taxes, something Benjamin Franklin wrote were the only things certain in this world.
Photo: Ken Teegardin
In this episode
3 storiesBallot initiatives: How did we get here? Is this a broken system?
Is direct democracy working? Some say the number of state ballot initiatives is prohibitive. Others say it's simply proof that power is in the hands of the people. A discussion about California's process.
Read the story5 minProp 55: Tax extension to fund education and healthcare
Proposition 55 would extend a temporary personal income tax on those making $250,000 per year. The money would be slated for education and healthcare. We consider the pros and cons of the measure with an educator and a representative of a taxpayers' rights group.
Read the story5 minProps 62 and 66: Death penalty
Propositions 62 and 66 deal with the death penalty. Proposition 62 would repeal the death penalty in California. It was written by Mike Farrell, a longtime activist, best known for his role in M\*A\*S\*H. Proposition 66 would streamline the death sentence process limiting legal challenges to five years.
Read the story5 min
