Vouchers fail; drug reform passes in state

By Monique Simpson
Daily Bruin Reporter

Californians voted Tuesday to halt a school voucher initiative
by a wide margin, while changing the state’s policy on drug
offenders.

In one of the most contested proposition races this year, voters
overwhelmingly defeated Proposition 38, the school vouchers
initiative. If passed, the proposition would have given parents a
$4,000 voucher to send their children to private schools.

“It’s clear that Californians prefer improving their
public school instead of abandoning them,” said Jon Lenzner,
spokesman for the No on Prop. 38 Committee.

Lenzner added this was the second time in seven years that
voters did not approve a school voucher initiative.

Opponents of Proposition 38, which included the California
Teachers Association, charged the proposition of taking tax funds
away from public schools. But supporters contended vouchers would
strengthen public schools by holding them more accountable for
students’ performances.

In another closely watched proposition race, Californians voted
to change the state’s drug policy by passing Proposition 36
which will allow most first- and second-time drug offenders to be
sent to treatment programs instead of prison.

“We knew Californians were ready to do this,” said
Whitney Taylor, spokesperson for Campaign for New Drug Policies.
“The war on drugs has failed and we need to look for
something different.”

The proposition will provide those convicted on nonviolent drug
possession offenses with court-supervised treatment and probation
for up to a year.

But not all voters were pleased with the proposition’s
outcome.

“Sadly, the voters have been misled by three out-of-state
billionaires who are trying to legalize hard drugs throughout the
country,” said Jean Muñoz, spokeswoman for Californians
United Against Drug Abuse.

Proposition 34, the campaign finance reform initiative, passed
by a wide margin. Campaign donations to statewide offices, except
governor, will now be limited to $5,000 and a $3,000 limit will be
place on contributions to state legislature.

In 1998, Proposition 208, another campaign reform initiative,
passed but has been contested in court for two years. With the
passage of Proposition 34, the provisions of Proposition 208, which
had lower limits for campaign donations and spending, is
nullified.

Among the approved measures is Proposition 35, which gives the
state more flexibility to outsource public work projects to private
companies. Supporters have said this proposition will quicken the
completion of many projects such as the building of schools and
highways.

Proposition 39, a school bond measure, passed by a small margin.
Now to authorize a bond for improving school facilities, only 55
percent of the local vote must approve. Before, two-thirds of the
vote was needed.

While Propositions 32 and 35 were approved, Propositions 33 and
37 failed to pass.