Week of October 24, 2004

Week of October 25, 2004

I&R News Round-Up

Updated October 26, 2004

This page contains a summary of news articles on ballot measures, along with links to the articles themselves. It is updated several times a week.

Criminal Justice—California

Opponents of Proposition 66, which would roll back California’s “three-strikes” law, will launch a last-minute advertising campaign, reports the Sacramento Bee. The opposition’s funding so far has come mainly from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who’s contributed $1 million, and from the prison officers’ union, which has contributed $500,000. The opposition is hoping for a contribution of $1.5 million this week from a wealthy California man whose sister was murdered in the 1980s.

Environmental Protection—Montana

Mining technology is at the heart of the debate over I-147, which would permit the use of cyanide in gold mining operations, according to the Missoulian. At issue is the question of whether sites that use cyanide can be adequately cleaned after mining is complete.

Gambling—Florida, Oklahoma

Florida Governor Jeb Bush has come out in opposition to Amendment 4, which would permit slot machines in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, reports the St. Petersburg Times. The governor has take public positions on a number of ballot measures in recent days.

In Oklahoma, Rep. Ernest Istook and Oklahoma County’s district attorney have come out against the two gaming proposals on the ballot. According to the News-Star (AP), they say more gambling will increase the state’s social problems.

Medical Malpractice/Tort Reform—Florida

The St. Petersburg Times reports that there has been a flood of advertising on both sides of Amendment 3, a measure that would restrict how much lawyers can collect in medical malpractice suits. Much of the advertising has been inflammatory and has left voters confused. The greater part of the $27 million spent so far on the state’s three medical malpractice measures has been spent on Amendment 3.

Same-Sex Marriage Ban—Arkansas, Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio

Proposed same-sex marriage bans are enjoying popular support around the country. The proposed ban in Arkansas has the support of 77% of those polled last week, according to the Arkansas News Bureau. The similar measure in Kentucky has 76% support, according to The Courier-Journal. Also in Kentucky, the governor has asked that ads opposing the proposed ban be pulled from the air. The ads feature the governor speaking against the measure, but he says he was quoted out of context. (Lexington Herald-Leader) Montana’s proposed ban looks likely to pass too, with 59% support in a recent poll, according to the Billings Gazette. In North Dakota, a group of more than 20 community leaders came together on Monday to oppose that state’s proposed ban on same-sex marriage. According to The Forum, the group included clergy, state and local candidates, advocacy groups and business leaders. In Ohio, new ads warn that passage of a same-sex marriage ban could harm senior citizens, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Because it also bans civil unions, it would prevent seniors who live together without marrying from inheriting property from one another. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that opponents plan to spend more than $1.5 million on ads against the measure. A recent poll shows support at 56%.

Spending in Initiative Campaigns—California

According to the Sacramento Bee, the lack of competitive races and the presidential campaigns’ lack of presence in the state has directed more money than ever into this year’s ballot issue campaigns. As of October 16, combined spending had totaled more than $150 million. The state is on track to surpass the previous record for ballot issue spending--$198 million was spent in 1998.

Taxes—Maine, Washington

Speculation continues in Maine over what would happen if the proposed property tax cap passes. According to the Kennebec Journal, school sports programs may suffer.

The confusing ballot title for Washington’s Initiative 884 has been clarified, the Seattle Post Intelligencer reports. The measure proposes increasing the state sales tax from 6.5% to 7.5% to fund education, but the official title for the measure says it would increase taxes 1%. The actual percentage increase is 15%. The secretary of state has stepped in and tried to clear the air by issuing an advisory to the media to explain the measure’s intent.

Term Limits—Arkansas

Support for the term limits measure is lagging in the polls, according to the Arkansas News Bureau. Just 32% support the extension of term limits, while 60% oppose it.

For more information on initiative and referendum, contact Jennie Drage Bowser in NCSL’s Denver office.

Week of October 25, 2004I&R News Round-Up

Week of October 25, 2004

I&R News Round-Up