California voters will face a comprehensive ballot in the upcoming Nov. 3 election, with 14 statewide measures addressing a wide array of issues including taxation, housing affordability, healthcare funding, climate policy, and election regulations. The proposals include competing tax plans, significant bond measures for housing and medical research, modifications to environmental review processes, and new rules for voting and campaign finance.
Tax Measures
Several measures focus on taxation and revenue. One proposal, referred to as the "billionaire tax," seeks to impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of an estimated 200 California billionaires, with the revenue earmarked for healthcare for low-income residents and a portion for education and food assistance programs. This measure faces opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and various industry groups, while supported by labor unions and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Competing with the billionaire tax are two other measures: one requiring audits of programs funded by new taxes and applying that revenue to the state's spending cap rules, and another prohibiting new personal property taxes and retroactive tax increases. If both the billionaire tax and either of these competing measures pass, the one receiving more votes would take precedence.
Another measure aims to make the current income tax surcharge on high earners permanent, extending it beyond its 2031 expiration. This tax applies to individuals earning over $360,000 and couples earning over $721,000, with funds designated for public schools and community colleges.
A measure to raise the threshold for local special tax measures from a simple majority to a two-thirds voter approval is also on the ballot, a proposal supported by Governor Newsom and taxpayer advocacy groups.
Housing and Research Bonds
Significant borrowing measures are proposed for housing and medical research. An $11.25 billion affordable housing bond seeks to fund new construction, rehabilitation, preservation of existing housing, and veteran home assistance programs. This measure has the backing of Governor Newsom, Democratic lawmakers, and housing industry groups, but is opposed by Republican lawmakers.
Additionally, a $25 billion homebuyer assistance program is proposed, which would create a state-backed mortgage program offering up to 17% of a home's purchase price to eligible buyers. Buyers would need to contribute a minimum 3% down payment.
A separate $8.4 billion immunology research bond is intended to fund biomedical research for treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, with provisions for pricing restrictions on treatments developed with public funds. This measure has support from prominent individuals and disease-focused organizations.
Other Key Proposals
In addition to taxes and housing, voters will consider measures related to climate policy, election rules, and community clinic funding.
A proposal for expedited environmental review aims to establish deadlines for environmental impact assessments for various projects, including housing and clean energy, and to limit court delays under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This measure is supported by business and utility groups but opposed by some environmental coalitions and construction trade unions.
Changes to election rules include a measure requiring government-issued ID for in-person voting and additional verification for mail ballots, along with a citizenship declaration. This is supported by conservative groups but opposed by civil liberties and voting rights organizations.
Another measure seeks to authorize public campaign financing systems for candidates at state and local levels, lifting a long-standing ban. This initiative is backed by good government and civil liberties groups, with opposition from taxpayer associations.
Recall election reform is also on the ballot, proposing to eliminate automatic replacement elections following a successful recall and allow recalled officials to run again. This is supported by the League of Women Voters and the Secretary of State, with opposition from groups focused on election integrity.
Finally, a measure concerning community clinic funding rules would require federally qualified health centers to spend at least 90% of their revenue on direct patient care and services, with penalties for noncompliance. This measure is supported by a major healthcare workers union but opposed by medical associations and Planned Parenthood affiliates.