November 08, 2024
Archive

A look at notable measures across the nation

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.


Have feedback? Want to know more? Send us ideas for follow-up stories.

comments for this post are closed

You may also like