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Voters to decide on controversial state budget changes

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Depending on whom you ask, Proposition 31 represents everything that’s right or everything that’s wrong with the California initiative system.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) said it’s another example of a process that has ‘run amok,’ hampering lawmakers with unnecessary restraints.

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But California Forward, the nonpartisan group pushing the measure, said the measure includes reforms that would never have a chance without a popular vote.

‘The system is not going to fix itself,’ said Jim Mayer, the group’s executive director.

Proposition 31 would, among other things, create restrictions on raising spending or making tax cuts, shift the state to a two-year budget cycle and require all bills to be in print for three days before a vote. The full story ran in Friday’s Los Angeles Times.

Some of Sacramento’s top politicians have opposed it.

“I hope the voters take a critical look at this, and I hope they reject it, because I don’t think it’s workable reform that improves the governance of the state,’ said Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles).

ALSO: Arizona political group dumps $11 million into California races

Labor groups express concern about California budget initiative

Labor’s big-money focus on Prop. 32 may hurt chances of Prop. 30

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-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento
twitter.com/chrismegerian

“I don’t think it’s in the best interests of the state to have different standards when it comes to environmental quality.”

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