If any of the ballot initiatives pass this month—and that’s not likely—expect lawsuits challenging the wording of the initiatives. The language used is supposed to be non-partisan, neutral, and to accurately represent the matter being voted on. By far the worst of the bunch is Proposition 1C.
If you looked at the title you’d think it’s a measure that would change how the lottery works. “Maybe the equipment is being modernized” would be a reasonable guess.
It’s a lie.
The reality is that this measure is really all about borrowing up to $5 billion from the lottery to be used to help balance the budget. There have been such ballot measures in the past, and they’ve all fallen to defeat. This one deserves the same fate.
When the lottery was first passed in California it was supposed to be additional funding for the schools. While all lottery funds are used for education, whatever is raised through the lottery is removed from the general budget. More smoke and mirrors out of our legislature.
Additional borrowing and debt isn’t the way to solve the crisis. California needs to cut programs on a large scale, cut and/or restrict pension plans, and cut all spending so that it matches revenues. The 15% cut in spending passed in February was a 15% cut in the rate of spending increase, not a cut in spending.
Proposition 1C does nothing to solve the crisis. I believe it should fail. No matter if you agree or disagree with me, remember to vote on May 19th.