Coming up this June are 5 ballot initiatives for California voters to make a decision on. As usual, these tend to be carefully worded to be misleading to the average voter and are often pushed by special interests in order to sway government power in their direction (which may or may not be a good thing depending on your thoughts on the issues). The following will be my assessment and opinion of the 5 propositions. I will try and keep them simple and brief but some of these will need a bit more explaining. I will also try and keep this updated as changes are made to the propositions as we get closer to the election. Each proposition below will include the full title and Secretary of State’s summary. (Titles are currently being looked at by the court for possible changes, will update if any changes are made)
 
Proposition 13: Limits on Property Tax Assessment. Seismic Retrofitting of Existing Buildings. (Legislative Constitutional Amendment).
 
“Provides that construction to seismically retrofit buildings will not trigger reassessment of property tax value. Sets statewide standard for seismic retrofit improvements that qualify. Fiscal Impact: Minor reduction in local property tax revenues related to the assessment of earthquake upgrades.”[i]
 
This just restricts the government from re-assessing property taxes on property owners who have had to make changes to their building in order to comply with state earthquake safety regulations. Since the property owner is more than likely being forced to comply with new government regulations, and they more than likely are having to assume the cost of the new construction, they shouldn’t also be subject to higher taxes.
 
Prop 13: Yes
 
Proposition 14: Elections. Primaries. Greater Participation in Elections.