Home > Issues > 2008 Propositions

Temecula Valley, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber Positions on the November 4, 2008 Propositions

The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC), the regional business advocacy coalition of the Temecula Valley, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore Valley Chambers of Commerce, releases its positions on the statewide propositions slated on the November 4,  2008 ballot.  The SWCLC takes positions on issues directly impacting the business community in the Southwest California region. November’s election marks the final slate of propositions where voters were involved in three elections and were asked to review more than twenty statewide propositions throughout the year.

Proposition 1A – High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act

Southwest California Legislative Council Position: Oppose

Proposition 1, later renamed Proposition 1A, would allow for $9.95 billion in bonds to be used to plan and construct a high-speed train system from San Francisco to Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Other phases would allow for the possibility to extend the line to Riverside and San Diego County areas.

The SWCLC believes in a time when the state budget continues to have a deficit and in the state’s current economic condition, it is not wise to set aside more budget dollars for a project that may take 20 years to build and operate.

Proposition 2 – Standards for Confining Farm Animals

Southwest California Legislative Council Position: Oppose

This measure would prohibit certain confinements of farms animals including calves for veal, egg-laying hens, and pregnant pigs.

Proposition 2 would impact most of the egg production facilities in California, leading to higher costs to consumers and driving egg production businesses out of the state. Agriculture businesses continue to be targeted for more restrictions than any other type of business in the state. 

Proposition 3 – Children’s Hospital Bond Act

Southwest California Legislative Council Position: Oppose

Proposition 3 authorizes the state to sell $980 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects at children’s hospitals.  The measure specifically identifies the five University of California children’s hospitals as eligible bond fund recipients.

The Children’s Hospital Bond Act would allow specific children’s hospitals to continue improvement projects that have already been approved and are in the works. Voters approved a similar Proposition only a few years ago. It is unreasonable to ask voters once again to approve funding for private institutions, especially at a time with a continued budget deficit.

Proposition 7 – Renewable Energy Generation

Southwest California Legislative Council Position: Oppose

Proposition 7 would require all utilities, both private and public, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010 and setting benchmarks for all utilities to generate their power from renewable energy at 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025.

The SWCLC believes in renewable energy and practical applications in order to make the area and state less dependent on nonrenewable energy. Unfortunately, Proposition 7 is unreasonable as it sets unobtainable benchmarks for private and public utilities to reach. This will ultimately lead to higher rate costs passed onto consumers.

Proposition 10 – Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy

Southwest California Legislative Council Position: Oppose

$5 billion in general obligation bonds would be sold by the state for various renewable energy, alternative fuel and energy efficiency and air emissions reduction services.

The SWCLC continues to support renewable energy and “green” projects but Proposition 10 would create a financial incentive program for only one type of alternative fuel which would not allow for fair competition of tax payer dollars for other alternative fuels that may lead to greener practices. It also sets aside, once again, dollars that could be used for balancing the budget.

Proposition 11 – Redistricting

Southwest California Legislative Council Position: Support

Proposition 11 creates a 14-person citizens redistricting commission that would redraw new boundary lines for the State Senate and Assembly districts along with the Board of Equalization districts. The commission would be politically balanced - five democrats, five republicans, and four individuals that are not registered with one of the two major parties. Commissioners would be chosen for their impartiality, skills, and would reflect the State’s demographic and geographic diversity.

The Southwest California Legislative Council has been an early supporter of Proposition 11. The SWCLC believes this is the best way to eliminate the conflict of interest when redrawing the district boundaries by taking it out of the hands of the legislators.

The Southwest California Legislative Council of Commerce has “No Position” on the following Propositions:

Proposition 4 - Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy

Proposition 5 - Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation

Proposition 6 - Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws

Proposition 8 - Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry

Proposition 9 - Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Parole

Proposition 12 - Veterans’ Bond Act of 2008