June 22, 2006

More Controversial Propositions Certified for the November Ballot

In addition to the new November Proposition for Parental Notification Before a Minor’s Abortion, the Oil Profits Tax and Cigarette Tax initiatives have qualified for the November Ballot.

The Oil Tax initiative would fund research into alternative fuels and more fuel efficient vehicles. Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and environmentalists will be supporting the proposal while big oil and others will be opposing. Because this would be a $4.0 billion tax increase on oil company profits, expect an expensive campaign with a lot of television exposure and mailers.

The Tobacco Tax initiative would provide additional funds for preventative health services, emergency rooms services, uninsured children support, and numerous other health related activities. The initiative will be supported by health care advocates and others, while it will be opposed by big tobacco and others. Because this also is a multi-hundreds of million dollars issue, expect a well-funded campaign on both sides.

The November ballot is becoming more lengthy every day as the deadline for placement on the November ballot approaches.  

~Dave Walrath