Related Resources
Our analyses of ballot measures look at the intersection of statewide propositions, the state budget, and the greater effect on Californians and our communities.
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Q&A
What is Proposition 98 and How Does the State Budget Shortfall Affect It?
Despite California’s commitment to funding education through Prop. 98, increased child poverty and budget shortfalls pose substantial challenges.Ballot PropositionsEducation -
Q&A
Understanding Proposition 1
California voters will decide on March 5th, 2024, whether to pass Proposition 1, a two-part initiative aiming to improve access to behavioral health services. This includes funding for treatment facilities, housing support, and changes to the Mental Health Services Act.Ballot PropositionsHealth & Safety NetHousing & Homelessness -
Commentary
Outdated Gann Limit challenges state’s ability to support public services
It’s time to reconsider rules that deny policymakers the tools needed to fulfill the promise of a California dream for all Californians.Ballot PropositionsCalifornia Budget -
Report
Prop. 19 Would Make Changes to California’s Residential Property Tax System
As one of the most complicated measures on the November 2020 state ballot, Proposition 19 would make significant changes to California’s residential property tax system. The proposition would expand a property tax loophole for older, mostly wealthier homeowners, while covering the cost by narrowing another special tax rule for inherited properties – and would then require state and local governments to track how much their tax revenues change as a result, requiring new administrative infrastructure. Altogether Prop. 19 would likely result in increased state and local revenues on net – but not for all counties – while most of the newly available state dollars would be restricted to a new special fund limited to use for supporting fire response.Ballot Propositions -
Report
Understanding Inequitable Taxes on Commercial Properties and Prop. 15
Local tax revenue reflects a community’s shared effort to support vital public services that all Californians need to live in our cities and counties, such as education for students in K-12 schools and community colleges, housing, health care, public parks, and libraries. When tax breaks provide advantages to some taxpayers over others, it not only creates inequities but can also lead to revenue losses that compromise the ability of schools and local communities to provide essential services for Californians. This is the case with commercial and industrial property taxes across California, and why voters will be asked in fall 2020 to vote on Proposition 15, an amendment to the state Constitution that would change how commercial and industrial properties are taxed to provide more revenue for schools and communities.Ballot PropositionsTaxes & Revenue -
Report
Understanding Proposition 25
Across California and the United States, the push for bail reform has gained momentum with increasing awareness and research showing the disproportionate impact the money bail system has on people of color and low-income households. Enter Proposition 25 that will appear on the November 3, 2020 statewide ballot and asks California voters to decide whether a 2018 state law that effectively ends money bail should take effect. If voters approve Prop. 25, judges will be able to utilize risk-based assessment tools – examining population links between rearrest or reconviction and individual factors such as age, gender, or criminal record – to determine if individuals detained for certain crimes can be released before a court appearance rather than posting money bail.Ballot PropositionsJustice System
Get the Facts
Since 2000, California voters have considered 148 ballot propositions and approved over half.
The California State Legislature can qualify ballot propositions to amend the state Constitution or approve bond financing with a two-thirds vote.
California voters have approved 53 initiatives that amended the constitution since 1912.
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