State

SUMMARY OF STATE LEAGUE POSITIONS League program consists of those government issues chosen by members for concerted effort and action. The process of planning the program for the League begins with the review of our existing positions. After member discussion and review, each local League chooses those positions that it believes should be retained or deleted as well as those that the League should emphasize. The emphasis could be on advocacy or on education of League members and/or the community; or it could be a new study, an update of an existing position or a restudy of a long-held League position.

GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN FINANCING adopted in 1973, updated in 1976 Position in brief: Support state campaign finance practices for candidates and advocates of ballot measure positions which will ensure full disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures and enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office. Application--this position was the basis for our support of Proposition 208 in 1996 and involvement in the lawsuits over its implementation. It was also used in opposition to 1998's Prop 226, which would have restricted political contributions only from union members. In 2000 we successfully opposed Proposition 25, but failed to prevent the passage of Proposition 34, which repealed almost all of Prop 208. We have worked for improved campaign finance disclosure, especially through electronic filing of reports and their availability on the Internet and through disclosure of the sources of funding in radio and TV ballot measure advertisements. Leagues have used this position vertically to support local campaign finance ordinances, some including public financing. We are working closely with supporters of public financing of campaigns ("clean money") and in 2004 supported a public financing bill in the legislature as part of a long-term strategy for implementation of a clean money law in California.

CONSTITUTION adopted in 1957, updated in 1965-67 Position in brief: Support measures to secure an orderly and simplified state constitution; provisions which enable the legislature to deal with state problems efficiently, flexibly and with responsibility clearly fixed, and constitutional guarantee of equal representation of all citizens in the state.

Application--Uses of this position include opposition to putting tax sources and rates, exemptions, and earmarked funds in the constitution. We were supportive of the efforts of the California Constitution Revision Commission.

ELECTION SYSTEMS adopted 2001, amended by concurrence 2003. Position in brief: Support election systems for executive offices, both at the state and local levels, that require the winner to receive a majority of the votes, as long as the majority is achieved using a voting method such as Instant Runoff Voting, rather than a second, separate runoff election.

Application-- Leagues have used this position vertically to support instant runoff voting (IRV) in local elections. In July 2003 the LWVC supported a proposal before the Secretary of State to speed up implementation of IRV in San Francisco, which voters had passed more than a year previously. It is notable that in 2002 only one statewide officer elected received a majority of the votes.

INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PROCESS adopted in 1984, updated in 1999 Position in brief: Support citizens' right of direct legislation through the initiative and referendum process.

Application--Past uses of this position include sponsoring bills to establish an optional indirect initiative and to require a review of initiative wording before circulation for signatures, and opposing measures to restrict the use of the initiative. We have supported a clarification and tightening of the constitutional requirement that an initiative contain only one subject, and we joined in an unsuccessful court challenge to Prop 21, the juvenile crime initiative, charging that it violates the single-subject rule. The League has testified before previous commissions considering changes in the initiative process and was represented on a Speaker's Commission on the California Initiative Process in the 2001-2002 legislative session. Although the commission recommended several changes the LWVC supports, such as establishing an indirect initiative process and strengthening the single subject rule, none were enacted.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS adopted in 1981 Position in brief: Support an efficient, effective and equitable balance of responsibility and authority among the levels of government with accountability to the public.

Application--Realignment of state and local government responsibilities and finances continues to be a focus of the legislature and this position is applicable there. One section of the position is frequently used in support of open governmental decision making with opportunities for public participation. We used this position to urge the California Public Utilities Commission to provide better information on energy issues so the public can more intelligently weigh alternatives. We support putting an open government provision into the state constitution, and in 2004 are supporting Proposition 59 which does that.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES adopted in 1998 Position in brief: Support a public library system as a basic community service with a long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding source. Support access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed, active participation in a democratic society. Application--This position was adopted by concurrence of local Leagues following the 1997 LWVC Convention. We used it to support library construction and renovation bonds, Prop 14 on the November 2000 state ballot. In 2004 we supported a bill placing a bond measure on the 2006 ballot.

REDISTRICTING adopted in 1988 Position in brief: Support a state redistricting process and standards that promote fair and effective representation in the state legislature and in the House of Representatives with maximum opportunity for public scrutiny. Supports a bipartisan commission as the preferred redistricting body.

Application-- Before the 1990 census, the League was prominent in an unsuccessful initiative attempt to establish redistricting by a bipartisan commission. In 2001 the vertical position was used by local Leagues and the LWVC on the processes used in local redistricting. In 2003-04 we studied several draft redistricting proposals and found none we could endorse.

STATE AND LOCAL FINANCES adopted in 1969, updated in 1975; new positions in 1976, 1977, 1981, and 1995 Position in brief: Support measures to ensure revenues both sufficient and flexible enough to meet changing needs for state and local government services; that contribute to a system of public finance which emphasizes equity and fair sharing of the tax burden as well as adequacy; which include long range finance methods that meet current and future needs while taking into account the cumulative impact of public debt. Support a process which maintains statutory authority over tax sources, rates and tax expenditures; that makes limited use of direct voting by the public on revenue measures; and that allows adoption of revenue and finance measures by a simple majority vote. Support the distribution of revenue sources between state and local governments in a manner to ensure adequate, equitable and flexible funding of public programs based on the responsibilities and requirements of each and which encourages accountability. Support an equitable, broad-based local property tax, easy and economical to administer, producing adequate revenue, with limitations on the types of services it funds. Support assessment practices and policies that are equitable, accurate, easy to understand and well publicized, with like properties treated uniformly.

Application--This position is used very frequently, as it deals with the heart of what makes government work: money. Bills related to the state budget process, proper allocation of revenues and responsibilities of the various levels of government, fair sharing of the tax burden, and a simple majority vote to pass local tax and bond measures fall under this position. Local Leagues use the position to take stands on local tax issues. The LWVC used this position to support Prop 217, which would have retained top income tax brackets; oppose Prop 218, which limited local assessments and fees in 1996; and to support Prop 11 on the November 1998 ballot, which authorized sales tax revenue sharing. In 2000 we supported Props 26 and 39 to reduce the vote required to pass local school bonds and opposed Prop 37, which would have redefined fees as taxes to require two-thirds votes on many environmental and health mitigation and monitoring measures. In 2002 we used this position to oppose Propositions 49 and 51 which proposed earmarking funds for specific programs, and in 2003 we opposed Prop 53, which would have locked a program of infrastructure funding in the constitution. We continue to advocate for new revenues, including higher rates for the top bracket of income taxes, to avoid severe program cuts due to the budget crisis. In 2004 we supported the unsuccessful Prop 56, which would have allowed a simple majority vote to pass the state budget. We supported AB 2106, a measure which would have required a more comprehensive review of tax expenditures. A series of camera-ready articles about government finance and budget issues has been made available for local Leagues to place in their VOTERs. VOTING RIGHTS adopted in 1972, reviewed in 1986 Position in brief: Support measures which will protect every citizen's right to vote and which will ensure government's responsibility to protect this right through regulations and procedures that encourage an informed and active electorate.

Application--The LWVC participated in the lawsuit to require implementation of the Motor Voter law in California and has opposed state legislation which conflicts with that law. The League has used this position to oppose bills requiring people to show identification to register to vote at county elections offices and to support requirements for voter registration outreach, improved procedures for absentee and provisional ballots, pollworker training, etc. A League-supported measure to establish an Internet voting pilot project using computers at polling places was vetoed in 2000. In 2002 we used this position to support Prop 41, Voting Equipment Bonds; Prop 43, Right to Have Vote Counted; and Prop 52, Election Day Voter Registration (which was not successful). In 2003-04 the LWVC advocated for effective implementation of the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and a League representative sat on the Secretary of State's HAVA Advisory Committee. We have not used this position to act on issues relating to primary elections. Action on the date of a primary was taken using the Campaign Finance position's support for shorter campaigns.

NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE adopted in 1983 Position in brief: Support policies that recognize agricultural land as a limited resource which must be preserved for the economic and physical well-being of California and the nation. Appropriate agricultural land should be identified and its long term protection should be based on regulatory and incentive programs which include comprehensive planning, zoning measures and other preservation techniques. State policy which affects agriculture should ensure the conservation of soil and water resources through incentives coupled with penalties for noncompliance.

Application--This position is used in conjunction with the water and land use positions in taking a broad view of how best to provide stewardship for natural resources in California. The implementation of water management tools will aid in conserving resources in the future. The League has opposed budget proposals to eliminate state funding for the Williamson Act, which protects agricultural and open-space land through lowered property taxes.

AIR QUALITY adopted in 1971, updated in 1973 Position in brief: Support measures to establish air quality standards that will protect the public health and welfare, and the development of effective enforcement and implementation procedures at each level of government to attain these standards.

Application--This position has been used in support of efforts to reduce emissions of air pollutants and toxic air contaminants. The LWVC has supported legislation to fund alternative-fueled school buses and to require air quality standards that protect infants and children, and we have opposed weakening of the Zero Emission Vehicle program. The League supported legislation to require the Air Resources Board to draft regulations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and to prohibit cruise ships from incinerating wastes onboard within three miles of the California coast. Improving the air quality in basins such as the Central Valley is of current concern. This position is not applicable for indoor air pollution

ENERGY adopted in 1978, updated in 1980 Position in brief: Support a state energy policy that promotes conservation, fosters the development and use of a variety of renewable energy sources, and considers the impacts of energy development and use on public health and safety and on the environment. State government should provide an efficient, coordinated energy administrative structure and regulatory process and establish state energy policies and minimum standards. Local government should implement state energy policies and standards based on local conditions, with emphasis on conservation.

Application--The League urged the California Public Utilities Commission to consider the goals of energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources when the CPUC considered the deregulation of electric utilities. In November 1998 we supported the unsuccessful Prop 9, which attempted to make changes in the deregulation laws enacted by the legislature, and we continue to monitor the status of deregulation. During the energy crisis the League called for improved public disclosure of energy decisions and costs and participated in the Flex Your Power program to help the public reduce its use of energy. We have supported measures to decrease our reliance on oil and gas, including the requirement of a 20 percent portfolio of renewable energy resources. The LWVC supported SB 1389 of 2002 to require an integrated energy policy report every two years and is monitoring its implementation by the California Energy Commission. We supported legislation to require reporting on the feasibility of real-time pricing of electricity.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS adopted in 1986 and 1987 Position in brief: Support comprehensive measures to provide maximum protection to human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous materials, including pesticides. An integrated approach should be taken to prevent harmful exposures through soil, surface and ground water contamination, bioaccumulation, air pollution and direct contact. Hazardous materials planning should promote pollution prevention. All levels of government share responsibility for preventing exposures.

Application--When attempts are made to simplify and streamline state regulations and laws in this area, we use this position to make sure that this process does not weaken the protection of human health and the environment. The cleanup of hazardous waste as military sites are closed has been overseen by League members sitting on local oversight bodies. We have supported legislation to strengthen penalties for discharging hazardous materials into state waters and to extend the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act to inland waters. In 2002 we supported the recycling of computer monitors under this position. The LWVC also supported legislation to improve the regulation of pesticides near schools and an unsuccessful attempt to prohibit schools from using the most toxic pesticides. We have supported the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites, or "brownfields." This was one of the natural resources positions on which League opposition to Prop 37, the "polluter protection act," was based, as well as support for a Green Watchdog report advocating that the cost of pollution should be borne by polluters, not taxpayers.

LAND USE adopted in 1975 Position in brief: Support state land use planning that recognizes land as a resource as well as a commodity. The state should establish guidelines and standards for land areas of more than local concern. Decisions for these areas should be made at the lowest level of government feasible, but should be subject to state review. Citizens must have a meaningful participation in land use planning and regulation.

Application--This position supports effective planning and growth management and is often used by local Leagues to address development proposals. It has had extensive application in opposing legislative and regulatory efforts to weaken the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). More recently, it has been a basis for League action on "smart growth" proposals. The LWVC has supported coastal wetlands restoration and measures to fund habitat acquisition, parks, etc., through tax credits and statewide park bonds, Props 12 of March 2000 and 40 of March 2002. This position has also been used to support improved coastal access and a stronger process for California Coastal Commission review of local coastal plans. When a court decision called into question the manner of appointment of Coastal Commission members, the LWVC supported legislation to create fixed terms for those commissioners appointed by the legislature.

SOLID WASTE adopted in 1973 Position in brief: Support measures to ensure environmentally sound and efficient solid waste management, to reduce the generation of wastes, to encourage resource recovery, and to increase the demand for secondary materials.

Application--Lobbying for recycling and regional solutions to waste disposal come under this position.

TRANSPORTATION adopted in 1981, revised in 1985; new position in 1991 Position in brief: Support a transportation system to move people and goods which includes a variety of transportation modes, with emphasis on increased public transportation services and other viable alternatives to reduce vehicle miles traveled; is efficient, convenient, and cost effective; is safe and secure; services all segments of the population and diverse geographic needs; minimizes harmful effects on the environment; is integrated with land use; and is supported by extensive public education.

Application--In addition to its use in local League action, this position is the basis for support of legislative proposals to improve transportation planning as state officials respond to increased congestion and sprawl. It has been used with the land use, housing, and state and local finances positions to support "smart growth" proposals including transit-oriented development and passage of local sales tax or bonds for transportation infrastructure by a simple majority. Another area of League support is the funding of transportation assistance for welfare-to-work programs. The League supported Proposition 2, to restrict loans from state transportation funds to the general fund, in November 1998. Although some programs and projects under Propositions 51 in 2002 and 53 in 2003 could be supported under our transportation position, the League opposed those measures on the basis of their earmarking of funds.

WATER adopted in 1959, updated in 1961, 1967, 1971, and 1979 Position in brief: Support measures which promote the management and development of water resources in ways that are beneficial to the environment with emphasis on conservation and high standards of water quality that are appropriate for the intended use.

Application--Protecting water quality, comprehensive ecosystem restoration, coordination of water resource planning with land use planning, and demand-side management of water supplies are a focus of this position's use. Recent legislative action has included support for requiring water meters in areas that have never had them before and for a Bay Area motor vehicle registration fee to fund projects that mitigate the impact of motor vehicles on water quality, habitat, and watersheds. The LWVC has supported implementation of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act and a strong Endangered Species Act, and has participated in the CalFed program to develop a long-term solution to environmental and water use conflicts concerning the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Two League representatives sit on the advisory committee to develop the Update to the California Water Plan. The League was part of the successful efforts to pass Props 12 and 13, park and water bonds on the March 2000 ballot, and we supported Prop 40 in March 2002 and Prop 50 on the November 2002 ballot.

SOCIAL POLICY CHILD CARE adopted in 1989 Position in brief: Support state and local policies, legislation and programs that meet the need for accessible, affordable, and quality child care.

Application--The League's Working Party for Children (WPC) closely follows child care issues under the Children and Family Issues Action Policy. The LWVC has supported legislation to improve the quality of child care programs and their reimbursement rates as well as to require a plan for providing child care services for all who are income-eligible. In October 2001, members of the WPC presented a statement on behalf of the LWVC at the Los Angeles hearings of the legislative Women's Caucus dealing with Child Care Fiscal Policy Analysis. The League has supported budget action to protect stage 3 CalWORKs child care funding, and in 2003 action on the state budget to oppose spending cuts in children and family programs was a priority.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM adopted in 2003 Position in brief: Support a statewide community college system with sufficient resources to fulfill its overall goal: to offer all Californians access to a quality higher education. Resources should be stable, accommodate all enrolling students, be fairly distributed among the college districts, and provide opportunities for long-range planning. Governance should allow greater authority within the system itself with local districts making key decisions about mission priorities to meet community needs.

Application--Action since this position was adopted in 2003 includes our support for open access at a special session of the Community College Board of Governors. We urged the legislature to maintain sufficient resources for the community colleges to fulfill their overall mission and ensure access for all Californians to a quality higher education. We supported a budget-related bill to require an annual plan for allocating the moneys for equalization of funding per full-time equivalent student received by the districts and advocated for $80 million in 2004-05 equalization funds.

EDUCATION adopted in 1973, updated in 1985 Position in brief: Support a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade public education system which meets the needs of each individual student; challenges all students to reach their highest potential; develops patterns of lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. Support a system of funding which is adequate, flexible, equitable, reliable; derived from a combination of revenue sources; distributed fairly to ensure equal access to public education for all students. Support formulating broad general guidelines at the state level and developing and implementing program at the local level.

Application--The League often supports school bond measures on the state ballot, including Propositions 47 and 55, the Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Acts of 2002 and 2004. We have also used this position to oppose vouchers, the "95/5" and bilingual initiatives, and earmarking of lottery funds for curriculum materials. We have supported class size reduction and proposals to reduce the vote requirement for local school bonds, including Prop 26 and the successful Prop 39 of 2000. The League cofounded and continues to be active in EdSource, an education policy informational organization. While we are supportive of after school programs, we followed our state and local finances position in opposing Prop 49, the Before and After School Programs initiative of 2002, because of the earmarking of funds. In 2002 we opposed a bill that would have expanded the scope of collective bargaining between districts and unions, reducing participation of parents and the community in the process. We have supported legislation to revise the state testing program and make the high school exit exam one of multiple measures used in granting high school diplomas and to require an Opportunity for Teaching and Learning index for each school. The League promoted the online discussion of the Master Plan for Education and is monitoring its implementation.

HOUSING adopted in 1970, updated in 1973 and 1993 Position in brief: Support of equal opportunity in housing. Support of measures to provide state programs to increase the supply of safe, decent, and adequate housing for all Californians. Support for action at all levels of government for the provision of affordable housing for all Californians.

Application--The League has used this position to work for affordable housing and sustainable development in our communities. We supported Proposition 46, the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2002, and legislation to increase the aggregate amount of state low-income housing credits. We have supported bills to enhance the use of second housing units ("granny units") and density bonuses and to improve the process of allocating shares of the housing need to jurisdictions within a region. This position has been used along with our transportation and land use positions in support of legislation to promote "smart growth" development patterns. We continue to oppose the state constitutional requirement of voter approval of certain affordable housing.

JUVENILE JUSTICE/DEPENDENCY adopted in 1997 and 1999 Position in brief: Support a juvenile justice/dependency system which works to prevent child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency, which serves foster children and their families and status offenders, and which rehabilitates juvenile offenders, by promoting the safety and well-being of children and helping to prepare them for productive participation in society. Support early identification of at-risk children and families followed by appropriate referrals to services which work with children, youth, families and schools. Support community efforts to provide safe supportive environments for children and their families and institutions that respect them and promote non-violent solutions to problems. Support the rights and best interests of the child in preference to those of any other individual.

Application-- We continue to monitor legislation on prevention, early intervention, community-based programs, and a juvenile justice system which balances rehabilitation, accountability, and protection of the community. The LWVC opposed harsher sentencing, less confidentiality and automatic referrals to adult courts in legislation and in Proposition 21 of 2000. We supported full funding for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Program and bills to restructure the youthful offender parole system, tighten procedures under which a minor can be detained in an adult facility, and protect the rights of students who are questioned by peace officers at school. In other legislative action, the League opposed the phasing out of certain extended day programs, supported after school programs for teens, and encouraged mentoring programs with high standards of quality. The dependency aspects of our position have been used to support housing and transitional services for emancipated foster youth. We supported legislation to consider sibling relationships in foster care placements and to give support to minor parents who are in foster care.

LEGAL AID adopted in 1971, revised in 1983 Position in brief: Support measures, which will enable the judicial system of the state to provide for all citizens adequate access to legal services.

Application-- While we have not used this position for action recently, as fewer legal services are offered in California, we will continue to monitor with this position in mind.

MENTAL HEALTH CARE adopted in 1998 Position in brief: Support for an adequately funded mental health care system which provides comprehensive services to the acutely, chronically and seriously mentally ill of all ages; maintains optimal mental health services for all clients places emphasis on meeting the needs of children; offers mental health services for the homeless; seeks additional funds for preventive services; implements a master plan to integrate services; raises awareness of critical unmet needs; and emphasizes case management.

Application--The LWVC has supported legislation requiring coverage of mental illnesses on the same level as other illnesses. This position has also been used to promote comprehensive programs for mentally ill persons who are homeless, recently incarcerated, or at risk for either of those conditions. More recently, the League supported legislation to establish a grant program for counties to develop mental health plans for children. The LWVUS health care position supporting access to a basic level of affordable, quality health care, including mental health care, is used in conjunction with this LWVC position.

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