Proposition 25 opposition

By Dominick Delgadillo
The Guardsman

Proposition 25 seems like a glorious shining beacon of hope for California, because it will stop the gridlock typical of the state’s budget process, and it claims to have no effect on the current two-thirds majority required to pass new taxes.

As it stands, California requires a two-thirds majority vote from its legislators to approve its fiscal budget. Complaints have been lodged because this method has a tendency to impede the process.

Even the City College employees from the Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association are against the current system, citing the fact that 47 other states only require a simple majority in these matters.

These groups ignore the reality that a super-majority vote requires members on opposite ends of our two-party system to work together on issues. This ensures the best possible outcome, a compromise, where all of the people being represented get some of what they want.

Additionally, the wording of the 25 contradicts itself. The proposition states that it “retains two-thirds vote requirement for taxes,” but later states that any other provisions which are even related to the budget will also only need a simple majority to pass.

That word “any” seems a bit broad for comfort. History screams and tosses books off the shelves filled with moments when broad or vague language allowed shady, unrelated clauses to piggy-back on legislation.

Which is to say, if a budget bill required taxes to be raised, that would still only require a simple majority.

Maybe the “gridlock” needs a solution, but prop 25 is more like a landmine during rush hour.