Local ballot measures

faithful_servant · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 09:56 AM

With all the hype and hoopla over the Fed. elections, the local issues are getting lost in the mix. Here's some of the important ones from Oregon:

Oregon Real Estate Transfer Tax Amendment, Measure 79

Quote:

Amends Constitution: Prohibits real estate transfer taxes, fees, other assessments, except those operative on December 31, 2009.
Result of "Yes" Vote: "Yes" vote prohibits state/local governments from imposing taxes, fees, assessments on transfer of any interest in real property, except those operative December 31, 2009.

Result of "No" Vote: "No" vote retains existing law prohibiting local governments from imposing real estate transfer taxes/fees (with exceptions), allowing state legislature to impose such taxes/fees.

Summary: Amends constitution. Current statutory law prohibits a city, county, district, or other political subdivision or municipal corporation from imposing taxes or fees on the transfer of real estate (with certain exceptions). However, the state legislature has the authority, subject to Governor approval, to impose such taxes and fees or to change current statutory law. Measure prohibits the state and any city, county, district, or other political subdivision or municipal corporation from imposing taxes, fees, or other assessments based upon the transfer of any interest in real property or measure by the consideration paid or received upon the transfer of any interest in real property. Measure exempts from the prohibition any taxes, fees, or other assessments in effect and operative on December 31, 2009. Other provisions.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.ph...asure_79_(2012)

Oregon Estate Tax Phase-Out Initiative, Measure 84

Quote:

Phases out estate and inheritance taxes, and any tax on property transfers between family members.
Result of "Yes" Vote: "Yes" vote phases out estate/inheritance tax, tax on death-related property transfers, and tax on property transfers between family members; reduces state revenue.

Result of "No" Vote: "No" vote retains one-time estate tax on inherited property for estates of certain value; tax on property transfers between family members in certain circumstances.

Summary: Current state law imposes one-time tax on estate of person dying on/after January 1, 2006, if estate's gross value -- determined by federal law as of December 31, 2000 -- is at least $1,000,000. Current law taxes income-producing property sales, regardless of parties' relationship. Measure incrementally phases out estate/inheritance tax, tax on property transfers between "family members" (defined), and tax on property transferred in connection with person's death; prohibits imposition of such taxes on property of person dying on/after January 1, 2016. Allows state to cooperate with other states and federal government in administering those entities' estate/inheritance taxes; permits fees on probate and other transactions that may occur following person's death. Measure reduces state revenues; provides no replacement. Other provisions.

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.ph...asure_84_(2012)

These are the two that I see as the most important here.

What are your local issues that you're following?

WallyWager · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 07:49 PM

We have six state proposals, there's a local one which essentially just continues the tax for the county health care program for the poor, but there's no controversy there, so meh.

Quote:

PROPOSAL 12-1
A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 4 OF 2011 – THE EMERGENCY MANAGER LAW

Public Act 4 of 2011 would:

Establish criteria to assess the financial condition of local government units, including school districts.

Authorize Governor to appoint an emergency manager (EM) upon state finding of a financial emergency, and allow the EM to act in place of local government officials.

Require EM to develop financial and operating plans, which may include modification or termination of contracts, reorganization of government, and determination of expenditures, services, and use of assets until the emergency is resolved.

Alternatively, authorize state-appointed review team to enter into a local government approved consent decree.

Quote:

PROPOSAL 12-2
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

This proposal would:

Grant public and private employees the constitutional right to organize and bargain collectively through labor unions.

Invalidate existing or future state or local laws that limit the ability to join unions and bargain collectively, and to negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements, including employees’ financial support of their labor unions. Laws may be enacted to prohibit public employees from striking.

Override state laws that regulate hours and conditions of employment to the extent that those laws conflict with collective bargaining agreements.

Define “employer” as a person or entity employing one or more employees.

Quote:

PROPOSAL 12-3
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

This proposal would:

Require electric utilities to provide at least 25% of their annual retail sales of electricity from renewable energy sources, which are wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower, by 2025.

Limit to not more than 1% per year electric utility rate increases charged to consumers only to achieve compliance with the renewable energy standard.

Allow annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25% standard in order to prevent rate increases over the 1% limit.

Require the legislature to enact additional laws to encourage the use of Michigan made equipment and employment of Michigan residents.

Quote:

PROPOSAL 12-4
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH THE MICHIGAN QUALITY HOME CARE COUNCIL AND PROVIDE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR IN-HOME CARE WORKERS

This proposal would:

Allow in-home care workers to bargain collectively with the Michigan Quality Home Care Council (MQHCC). Continue the current exclusive representative of in-home care workers until modified in accordance with labor laws.

Require MQHCC to provide training for in-home care workers, create a registry of workers who pass background checks, and provide financial services to patients to manage the cost of in-home care.

Preserve patients’ rights to hire in-home care workers who are not referred from the MQHCC registry who are bargaining unit members.

Authorize the MQHCC to set minimum compensation standards and terms and conditions of employment.

Quote:

PROPOSAL 12-5
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT THE ENACTMENT OF NEW TAXES BY STATE GOVERNMENT

This proposal would: Require a 2/3 majority vote of the State House and the State Senate, or a statewide vote of the people at a November election, in order for the State of Michigan to impose new or additional taxes on taxpayers or expand the base of taxation or increasing the rate of taxation.
This section shall in no way be construed to limit or modify tax limitations otherwise created in this Constitution.

Quote:

PROPOSAL 12-6
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

This proposal would:

Require the approval of a majority of voters at a statewide election and in each municipality where “new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles” are to be located before the State of Michigan may expend state funds or resources for acquiring land, designing, soliciting bids for, constructing, financing, or promoting new international bridges or tunnels.

Create a definition of "new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles" that means, "any bridge or tunnel which is not open to the public and serving traffic as of January 1, 2012."

We have a lot to think about over here lol. So far, I'm at this decision:

12-1: Yes
12-2: Yes
12-3: Yes
12-4: No
12-5: No
12-6: No

saltwn · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 09:55 PM

Idaho (absentee)

**There are 3 referendums to repeal legislature moves (last year) that had taken collective bargaining rights and tenure from teachers.
I voted to repeal the laws.
**There is a referendum to repeal giving laptops to students and teachers moving $$ from admin and teachers to do this.
I voted not to pass that referendum because I think the 1st 3 referendums will not pass and want the money to benefit students one way or the other.

**There is a right to hunt measure on the ballot. basically it is a hunter/trapper vs cruelty to animals through trapping question.
It was voted on and legislature approved to put this amendment to Idaho's constitution.
before it went to the legislature the NRA tried to tweak it to say hunting could be used to control wildlife

That wording was removed and the legislature passed w the original wording.
I voted for the amendment.

**finally
Currently, adult felony probationers are supervised by the Board of Correction through the Idaho Department of Correction. This amendment would preserve local control of the misdemeanor probation process by clarifying that the state's role is limited to felony offenders, while counties have supervision authority over misdemeanor probationers.
Because the Idaho Constitution is not clear regarding state and local supervision of adult felony and misdemeanor probationers, legal challenges could result in unwanted changes to the current system. This amendment would allow voters to provide constitutional clarification
I voted for the amendment.

There were some housekeeping utilities measures or bonds on the county and I voted basically --if it is needed to keep the water on or something yes but if it is new money for new anything no.

WallyWager · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 10:09 PM

Spencer, Mr. Liberty, where do you guys stand on our state proposals?

Spencer Collins · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 10:32 PM

I've already voted and here's where I stood on the proposals.

12-1- Yes
12-2- Yes
12-3- Yes
12-4- Yes
12-5- No
12-6- No

Most Michiganders that I know voted NO on all of the proposals...

cnredd · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2012, 04:35 PM

PA's got none...

Philly has four questions...

1) Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to allow for the establishment of an independent rate-making body for fixing and regulating water and sewer rates and charges and to prescribe open and transparent processes and procedures for fixing and regulating said rates and charges? (No)

2) Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to authorize the creation by ordinance of requirements for additional information to be s submitted with the annual operating budget, annual capital budget, and capital program, including, but not limited to, information about the cost of performing specific functions, the effectiveness of such functions, and the costs versus benefits of proposed expenditures, and to require the Finance Director to provide such information? (Yes)

3) Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter – which allows for a preference in the civil service regulations for the children of Philadelphia firefighters or police officers who were killed or who died in the line of duty – be amended to further allow for a preference for the grandchildren of such firefighters or police officers? (No) (wha????)...rolls

4) Should the City of Philadelphia borrow ONE HUNDRED TWENTY THREE MILLION SIX HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($123,670,000) to be spent for and toward capital purposes as follows: Transit; Streets and Sanitation; Municipal Buildings; Parks, Recreation and Museums; and Economic and Community Development? (Go f**k yourself)

jamesrage · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2012, 01:58 PM

State Question 766 (2012)

Quote:

This measure amends Section 6A of Article 10 of the Oklahoma Constitution. At present that section exempts some intangible personal property from ad valorem property taxation. This measure would exempt all intangible personal property from ad valorem property taxation.

An ad valorem property tax is a tax imposed upon the value of property.

Intangible Personal Property is property whose value is not derived from its physical attributes, but rather from what it represents or evidences.

Intangible Personal Property which is still currently taxed but would not be taxed if the measure is adopted, includes items such as:

patents, inventions, formulas, designs, and trade secrets;
licenses, franchise, and contracts;
land leases, mineral interests, and insurance policies;
custom computer software; and
trademarks, trade names and brand names.

If adopted, the measure would apply to property taxation starting with the tax year that begins on January 1, 2013.

Shall the proposal be approved?

State Question 758 (2012)

Quote:

This measure amends the State Constitution. It amends Section 8B of Article 10.

The measure deals with real property taxes also called ad valorem taxes. These taxes are based on several factors. One factor is the fair cash value of the property.

The measure changes the limits on increases in fair cash value. Now, increases are limited to 5% of fair cash value in any taxable year.

The measure changes the cap on increases to 3% for some property. The 3% cap would apply to homestead exempted property. The cap would also apply to agricultural land.

The measure also removes obsolete language.

Shall the proposal be approved?

State Question 759 (2012)

Quote:

This measure adds a new section to the State Constitution. It adds Section 36 to Article II.

The measure deals with three areas of government action. These areas are employment, education and contracting.

In these areas, the measure does not allow affirmative action programs. Affirmative action programs give preferred treatment based on race, color or gender. They also give preferred treatment based on ethnicity or national origin. Discrimination on these bases is also not permitted.

The measure permits affirmative action in three instances. 1. When gender is a bonafide qualification, it is allowed. 2. Existing court orders and consent decrees that require preferred treatment will continue and can be followed. 3. Affirmative action is allowed when needed to keep or obtain federal funds.

The measure applies to the State and its agencies. It applies to counties, cities and towns. It applies to school districts. It applies to other State subdivisions.

The measure applies only to actions taken after its approval by the people.

Shall the proposal be approved?

State Question 762 (2012)

Quote:

This measure amends Section 10 of Article 6 of the Oklahoma Constitution. It changes current law, decreasing the power and authority of the Governor by removing the Governor from the parole process for persons convicted of certain offenses defined as nonviolent offenses. It enlarges the power and authority of the Pardon and Parole Board by authorizing that Board, in place of the Governor, to grant parole to persons convicted of certain offenses defined as nonviolent offenses.

The Legislature defines what offenses are nonviolent offenses and the Legislature may change that definition.

The measure authorizes the Pardon and Parole Board to recommend to the Governor, but not to itself grant, parole for persons convicted of certain offenses, specifically those offenses identified by law as crimes for which persons are required to serve not less than eighty-five percent of their sentence prior to being considered for parole and those designated by the Legislature as exceptions to nonviolent offenses. For those offenses for which persons are required to serve a minimum mandatory period of confinement prior to being eligible to be considered for parole, the Pardon and Parole Board may not recommend parole until that period of confinement has been served.

Shall the proposal be approved?

State Question 764 (2012)

Quote:

This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds a new Section 39A to Article 10. It would allow the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to issue bonds. Any bonds issued would be used to provide a reserve fund for the Board. The fund would be a reserve fund for certain water resource and sewage treatment funding programs. The fund could only be used to pay other bonds and obligations for the funding programs. The bonds could only be issued after other monies and sources are used for repayment. The bonds would be general obligation bonds. Not more than Three Hundred Million Dollars worth of bonds could be issued. The Legislature would provide the monies to pay for the bonds. The Legislature would provide for methods for issuing the bonds. The Legislature would provide for how the fund is administered.

Shall the proposal be approved?

State Question 765 (2012)

Quote:

The measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It abolishes the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma Commission of Human Services and the position of Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. These entities were created under different names by Sections 2, 3 and 4 of Article 25 of the Oklahoma Constitution and given duties and responsibilities related to the care of the aged and needy. The measure repeals these sections of the Constitution and consequently, removes the power of the Commission of Human Services to establish policy and adopt rules and regulations. Under the measure, the Legislature and the people by initiative petition retain the power to adopt legislation for these purposes.

The measure adds a provision to the Constitution authorizing the Legislature to create a department or departments to administer and carry out laws to provide for the care of the aged and the needy. The measure also authorizes the Legislature to enact laws requiring the newly-created department or departments to perform other duties.

Shall the proposal be approved?

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