“For six long years, America’s middle class and hardworking families have been invisible to the Bush administration. I want to build an America where no person is invisible. I will provide quality, affordable health care for every American and I will fight to protect a woman’s right to choose. All of my policies – from stem cell research to climate change – will be guided by sound science. I will make America the global leader in combating global warming and significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. To fire up the engines of American innovation, I will redirect billions of dollars of big oil tax subsidies into investments in clean, renewable energy alternatives – wind, solar, hydrogen, ethanol, and other bio-fuels. I will grow our economy and help working families get ahead. It’s time to stop mortgaging our children’s future and return this country to the fiscally responsible policies that brought us record growth in the 1990’s. And it’s time we had an economy in which working people see their real incomes go up – not just the financial markets. We must fix our schools so they can provide hope and opportunity for the next generation. I will end the war in Iraq and begin restoring America’s standing in the world. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to study the issues.”

Prohibits certain motor vehicle fuel sales and use taxes, that are earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund, from being retained in the General Fund. Currently such taxes may be retained if Governor issues a proclamation, a special statute is enacted by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature, repayment occurs within three years, and certain other conditions are met. Changes how and when General Fund borrowing of certain transportation funds is allowed. Increases stability of state funding for highways, streets, and roads and may decrease stability of state funding for public transit. May reduce stability of certain local funds for public transit.

Establishes in state constitution a system of independent public community college districts and Board of Governors. Generally, requires minimum levels of state funding for school districts and community college districts to be calculated separately, using different criteria and separately appropriated. Allocates 10.46 percent of current Proposition 98 school funding maintenance factor to community colleges. Sets community college fees at $15/unit per semester; limits future fee increases. Provides formula for allocation by Legislature to community college districts that would not otherwise receive general fund revenues through community college apportionment. Increase in state spending on K–14 education from 2007–08 through 2009–10 – averaging about $300 million per year, with unknown impacts annually thereafter. Loss of student fee revenues to community colleges – potentially about $70 million annually.

Reduces the total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from 14 years to 12 years. Allows a person to serve a total of 12 years either in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of both. Provides a transition period to allow current members to serve a total of 12 consecutive years in the house in which they are currently serving, regardless of any prior service in another house. This measure would have no direct fiscal effect on state or local governments.

Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and four Indian tribes; amendment would permit tribes to operate 17,000 (total) additional slot machines. Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact. Net increase in annual state government revenues probably in the tens of millions of dollars, growing over time through 2030. For local governments in Riverside and San Diego counties, potential net increase of revenues due to economic growth and potential increased payments from the tribe to offset higher costs.

Source: Voter Information Guide, www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov