The 2018 Midterm Elections are taking place on Nov. 6 and Californians are voting on 11 different propositions concerning bonds, taxes, time, healthcare, housing, labor and animals. Though all of the propositions are important, certain propositions could affect students and residents of Seaside more directly than others – such as those dealing with veteran housing, homelessness prevention and local rent control. Here are some of those propositions and what would be implemented if passed.
Proposition 1: Housing Programs and Veterans’ Loans Bond
Proposition 1 is a legislatively referred bond act that would authorize $4 billion in general obligation bonds to benefit veterans with housing-related projects involving loans, grants, and projects and housing loans. General obligation bonds are secured by the state and use legally available resources, such as tax revenues, to raise funds to repay bond holders. A yes vote on Proposition 1 is in favor of the authorization of $4 billion dollars in bonds to help fund veteran housing, while a no vote is in opposition of the measure.
Proposition 2: Use Millionaire’s Tax Revenue for Homelessness Prevention Housing Bonds Measure
Proposition 2 is a legislatively referred state statute that would authorize the use of $2 billion in revenue from Proposition 63 on homelessness prevention housing for those in need of mental health services. Proposition 63 passed in 2004, issuing a one percent raise in tax on income above $1 million to help fund mental health services. A yes vote on Proposition 2 is in favor of the authorization of revenue from Proposition 63 in the form of $2 billion to help fund housing for homelessness prevention and mental health services, while a no vote is in opposition of this measure.
Proposition 6: Voter Approval for Future Gas and Vehicle Taxes and 2017 Tax Repeal Initiative
Proposition 6 is an initiated constitutional amendment that would repeal last year’s tax increase on gas and diesel, and require voter approval for future changes to fuel tax and vehicle fees. A yes vote on Proposition 6 is in favor of repealing the tax increases made in 2017, as well as requiring voter approval for any future changes to gas and vehicle taxes, while a no vote is in opposition of this measure.
Proposition 7: Permanent Daylight Saving Time Measure
Proposition 7 is a legislatively referred state statute that would change change the dates and times of daylight saving time (DST) to be consistent with federal law, as well as establish permanent DST if the federal law changes to allow as such. A yes vote on Proposition 7 is in favor of changing DST’s dates and times, as well as the possibility of year-round DST with the change of federal law, while a no vote is in opposition of this measure.
Proposition 10: Local Rent Control Initiative
Proposition 10 is an initiated state statute that would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and allow local governments to control the rent of all rental housing. The Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act was passed in 1995, restricting cities from having rent control and allowing landlords to have vacancy decontrol. A yes vote on Proposition 10 is in favor of giving local governments rent control of all rental housing units, while a no vote is in opposition of the measure.