Daily Bruin Endorsements: All 4 propositions deserve “˜yes’ vote

California is one of three states requiring a two-thirds vote to
pass the state budget ““ a requirement that has led to
deadlock, partisan brinkmanship and the bullying of legislators.
Proposition 56 would lower the voting threshold to 55 percent and
would also impose ethical regulations on the legislature, ensuring
the timely and fair passage of a budget.

Under the existing system, a small minority of legislators can
hold the rest of the legislature hostage, refusing to vote for a
budget until their concessions are met. In 2002, the budget was 67
days late ““ a historic delay resulting from the Republican
minority’s refusal to raise taxes to fill a $23.6 billion
deficit. During the intervening days, the state was forced to halt
payments for programs such as welfare and foster care for
children.

In several instances, Republican legislators who appear near to
caving in and voting for tax increases have been bullied by their
colleagues.

Proposition 56 is designed to fix these problems. Legislators
would lose their personal pay for every day the budget remained
unpassed. An ethical panel would investigate and censor legislators
who bully their colleagues. The final threshold would be lowered to
55 percent.

And contrary to the opinion of some, taxes would not be raised
uncontrollably ““ the governor still has a veto, 47 states
actually require either 55 percent vote or less, and Proposition 13
would remain unaffected.