Some notable measures on the Nov. 8 election ballots in various states and municipalities:
Statewide measures:
California
. Four measures backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would: cap state spending; make teachers work five years instead of two to pass probation; strip lawmakers of their power to deal with redistricting; require public employee unions to get members’ permission before dues could be used for political purposes.
. A separate measure would require parents to be notified when a minor seeks an abortion.
. Rival measures, one backed by drug companies and the other by consumer groups, would each create a program for prescription drug discounts.
Maine
. Repeal a new law expanding the state’s Human Rights Act to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.
New Jersey
. Create post of lieutenant governor.
New York
. Approve a $2.9 billion bond for transportation projects.
. Give the Legislature, not the governor, the upper hand in writing a budget.
Ohio
. Take redistricting powers away from state legislators and turn them over to a commission.
. Reduce the limit on individual contributions to political candidates.
. Shift oversight of elections from the secretary of state to a bipartisan, nine-member board.
. Allow all voters to cast ballots early by mail.
. Authorize the state to borrow $2 billion for infrastructure projects, development of industrial sites and technology research.
Texas
. Amend state constitution to ban same-sex marriages.
Washington
. Place cap on certain types of jury awards in medical malpractice cases and limit lawyers’ fees.
. Set up state-run supplemental malpractice insurance program, and allow doctors’ licenses to be revoked after three malpractice verdicts against them in 10 years.
. Ban smoking in public areas and indoor workplaces.
. Overturn the Legislature’s gas-tax hike of 9.5 cents a gallon.
Local measures
Ogunquit, Maine
. Ban chain restaurants, motels and other so-called “formula businesses.”
Seattle
. Construct 10.6-mile monorail mass transit system.
Comments
comments for this post are closed