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Measure to tighten local government protections heads to November ballot

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Proponents of a measure that would make it harder for the state to borrow money from local governments appears headed for the November ballot.

Supporters of the measure -- a coalition of cities, counties and public transit groups -- say they have enough certified signatures to put their measure before voters this fall. The measure would eliminate the ability of state lawmakers to borrow sales, automobile and property tax revenues that normally go to local governments. The measure also eliminates the state’s ability to ever touch those local dollars.

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Another measure that would suspend implementation of the state’s greenhouse gas law could also qualify for the ballot as soon as Tuesday.

Other measures that have already qualified for the November ballot include a proposal to legalize marijuana, a plan to raise automobile registration fees to pay for state parks, and an $11-billion water bond, which was placed on the ballot by the Legislature.

The deadline for measures to qualify for the next ballot is Thursday. County election officials are verifying signatures for number of other measures, including proposals to allow lawmakers to pass a budget with a simple majority vote and a union-backed plan to roll back scheduled corporate tax breaks.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento

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