Proposition 56 is a hot mess and the only reason I care one way or the other is that it addresses extending tobacco taxes to e-cigarette compounds containing nicotine (which is, after all, the addictive poisonous component of cigarettes). The deal is to add $2 to each pack of cigarettes and a proportional amount to other tobacco products, and, for the first time, would impact e-cigarettes. (Note: I haven’t had a cigarette since June 23, 1998.)
The sponsors allege a case for it because a) it will save your children and b) why the hell do you care if you aren’t a smoker. Opponents, with substantial sponsorship from the tobacco industry, allege that the fat cats at Medi-Cal will blow their money on stuff and where’s the love for California schools? If you do read the Voter Guide – and I encourage that – you’ll see on page 49, figure 4, that the first bite of the apple goes to replace sales tax revenues “lost” because of decreased tobacco sales, then 5% of the remainder to the Board of Equalization, $118 Million to specific state programs, and only then does 82% of the remainder go to Medi-Cal and so on with (only) 2% going directly to schools.
If you do read the Voter Guide – and I encourage that – you’ll see on page 49, figure 4, that the first bite of the apple goes to replace sales tax revenues “lost” because of decreased tobacco sales, then 5% of the remainder to the Board of Equalization, $118 Million to specific state programs, and only then does 82% of the remainder go to Medi-Cal and so on with (only) 2% going directly to schools. If this actually works to reduce tobacco use over time, who cares. I’m a “Yes.”
Proposition 57 is interesting to me because it speaks to the goals of our Criminal Justice System. My perception is that we spend a crapload of money to warehouse people in prison and to keep them there with not a lot of regard for what they did and the likelihood they’d do it again. I encourage you to read and think about it.
The arguments against developing more effective rehabilitative programs and parole programs for non-violent offenders are disappointingly ad hominem, but I understand where they’re coming from. It’s just that most people – even those who belong in prison – are going to get out, and we should probably plan for that. I have to say “yes” to this.
The medication has taken the world by storm and is one of the most sought after anti-impotency medicines best price for levitra today. Low levels of estrogen in the body lead to females becoming easily tired as well as not in the mood. 3. viagra 25 mg All these measures undertaken by viagra 25 mg bargain prices this superior tablet brings the excitement to be visible that would charm women. You should also know what is causing your premature ejaculations, number of prescriptions can be given to you. generic viagra canada
Proposition 58 is also interesting to me from a social justice perspective. Several years ago Californians passed Prop. 227 to require English-only primary education, and Prop. 58 seeks to repeal that. I have immigrant friends who have mastered English quickly and speak with no accent at all and others who’ve been here for decades and still have very thick accents and occasionally revert to their native language. Personally, I have not been able to develop conversational competency in any language other than English, and I’ve tried. The arguments against it are once again peppered with words in all caps. I have asked a couple of youngsters recently out of high school for their thoughts, but I’m going with bi-lingual programs at this point.
Proposition 59 asks if California should pursue a Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United v Federal Elections Commission and I am all over that. Hell yes.
Proposition 60 would require the use of condoms in the adult film industry during intercourse on adult film sets “in which performers actually engage in vaginal or anal penetration by a penis.” It says a law like this is already in effect in LA County since 2012, but apparently it’s still enough of an issue that the State needs to take a position. It would empower California residents to file a civil lawsuit if they see violations, which I guess would be a reason to watch. There are requirements for health screenings, and some other stuff, too. Have I mentioned how much I missed California when I was gone?
Proposition 61 would set the price the State would pay for a prescription drug at no more than the VA pays for the same drug. PhRMA hates this a lot and they’ve been willing to pay to express themselves. (Between them and the tobacco industry, the bad guys seem to have a pretty good stash to fund opposition campaigns.) The proposition itself is flawed and there are a lot of unanswered “what-if” questions including what the VA pays for its prescription drugs, but if PhRMA hates it this much I think we should give it a shot.
