It’s no coincidence that the thought of political power manifests the imagery of White, straight males. Who can blame us when those are the traits that plague people who have historically inherited power.
With this power, the Black community is either negatively or positively affected.
A significant deciding factor in the daily lives of not only Black people, but the entirety of the American population, is the Supreme Court of the United States, or SCOTUS.
According to Scholastic.com, "The Supreme Court is the final judge in all cases involving laws of Congress, and the highest law of all -- the Constitution."
Historically, laws passed by the Court most directly affect the most disenfranchised groups, including low-income, rural, and minority groups.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which opposers attacked for being socialist, limited, and targeting the wealthy. However, studies from data firm Civis Analytics show that low-income, rural areas benefited most from the ACA.
Similarly, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting, must be continuously renewed to maintain validity. From 2011 to 2012, Mother Jones reported that 19 Republican-controlled states passed laws that restricted voting access by requiring voter IDs, cutting back on early voting, and restricting voter registration. These laws disproportionately affected Democratic communities with high percentages of people of color.
Today, the Voting Rights Act’s renewal is threatened by justices within the Supreme Court who have tried to weaken it in the past. With President Trump’s promise to appoint like-minded justices, not only will African American and other minority groups feel the impact the greatest, but so will low-income and other historically neglected facets of America.
The Divisive History of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the United States was officially established in the year 1789.
To give a glimpse into the mindset during that time, slavery was still legal in the United States, so the cases brought to the Supreme Court reflected this ideology.
Dred Scott v. Sandford is a direct manifestation of the historical discrimination of the Supreme Court. In this 1857 case, the Court ruled that Dred Scott could not sue in federal court due to his status as an American of African descent.
Although this could be a testament to its time, the Court settled on cases that hurt not only Black individuals but the Black community as well during this time period.
This is also observed in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case that settled on the idea that African Americans were to be recognized as “separate but equal” in the eyes of public establishments.
Although at the time, it may have appeared as though this ruling was recognizing the Black community, it still put them in an awkward position -- how can someone be treated separately by the general public, yet be seen as “equal?”
A change in action could be seen in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, in which Chief Justice Earl Warren stated according to civilrights.org: “We conclude, unanimously, that in the field of public education,, the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”
This change of tune paved the way for Black communities to hold an inkling of representation in the Supreme Court.
With the change in court decisions coming into fruition, as did the look of those who held a seat at the benches of the Court. Thurgood Marshall was the first African American associate justice of the Supreme Court and held that position from 1967 to 1991.
Thurgood Marshall did a lot of good for the Black community as an active member of the NAACP which should be applauded but a misconception among many is if a Black person holds a position of power, they are destined to work on behalf of the community.
This misconception is aptly observed in George H. W. Bush’s appointment of Clarence Thomas as the second African American justice following Marshall.
Marshall and Thomas, though sharing a common racial background, could not have been more different.
Marshall was hailed as a civil rights advocate and a supporter of judicial activism, describing his judicial philosophy as “You do what you think is right and let the law catch up.” Before joining the other eight Supreme Court justices, he was a respected Howard University graduate with a successful private practice. He worked with the NAACP and brought the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education to the Supreme Court, which prohibited segregation in public schools.
Thomas’ history, especially as it relates to the Black community, represents a sharp departure from his predecessor.
Thomas’ appointment came at a time when the United States government, post-Reagan, was slowly but surely becoming more conservative. The era is punctuated by supply-side, “trickle-down” economic theory defined by decreased regulation and lowered taxes as well as the Rehnquist Court. The nine justices who served on the Supreme Court during this era, set a precedent for a right-leaning Court, though scholars suggest that later appointments, including that of Thomas, continued this legacy.
Outside of the justices themselves, the cases that come to the Supreme Court are important areas of change as well.
Roe v. Wade Not Universally Endorsed
Today, President Trump and his supporters are against the landmark case Roe v. Wade (1973), which legalized abortions nationwide. Despite ambivalence toward his stance on abortion (according to The Washington Post, he took five different positions on the issue in only three days), many worry that he will ignore the 67% of Americans who would not like to see the decision overturned.
With Trump’s recent Supreme Court pick of Brett Kavanaugh, many fear the worse could potentially come true. Though scholars debate the legality and validity of overturning the landmark case, others worry that Trump and the right-leaning justices can set precedents, which limit abortions without completely throwing Roe v. Wade to the “ash heap[s] of history,” as is Vice President Mike Pence’s desire.
Unlike the president, Pence is a staunch anti-abortion advocate, and his track record says so. With the justice appointment in the Trump administration’s hands, the future is in flux.
However, Black people all support Roe v. Wade and abortion legalization across the country. Just as conservative, race-blind African American Justice Clarence Thomas, Black Americans do not, and cannot be expected to fit into specific ideological categories. The growing number of Black anti-abortion advocates exemplify this trend.
Black women are five times more likely to get an abortion, despite the currently low rate of U.S. abortions. Black pro-choice advocates, many coming from conservative Black churches, believe that abortion is a form of genocide against the Black community.
“Black women are having higher numbers of abortions than their population,” said Yoruba Chen, a filmmaker who documented the divide in her short film “Anti-Abortion Crusaders: Inside the African-American Abortion Battle.” “The real question that reproductive rights people want to look at is why that’s the case. What is it that is causing those numbers? And it’s everything from lack of sex education, health care access and many, many other causes people have looked into and written about. You can definitely use that statistic in many ways.”
While the Black pro-life movement remains a minority, it speaks to the ideological variation within the Black community. Therefore, a justice who can navigate the beliefs of “the Black community” and vote in their favor is a farce, if not downright naive.
SCOTUS Does Not Yet Reflect Changing Demographics
America’s racial landscape is quickly changing. With these transformations, the politics of the country may change. But to believe that Black people support a liberal government that takes responsibility for the welfare of its people is a stretch. The 47 million African Americans in this country, occupy various economic brackets, sexualities, abilities, and other identifiers that are far from monolithic.
To date, the Supreme Court of the United States has remained majority White, and in the first 180 years, the Court was exclusively composed of White men. In its 229-year history, only two justices have been Black, one has been Latino, and three have been women.
For the Supreme Court to actively account for and make a difference in the lives of African Americans and other minority groups, the responsibility must be actively and continuously taken up by all branches of government in a concerted effort to listen to the desires of the American people.
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country,” Thurgood Marshall told the University of Virginia’s graduating class in 1978. “This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
When it comes to John Wesley Mack, the opinion is unanimous. Civil rights legend, social justice warrior, and groundbreaking public servant are words that illustrated his life and career.
As president of the Los Angeles Urban League, Mack fought tirelessly for economic equity for African Americans and escorted then-President George W. Bush around South L.A. in the aftermath of the 1992 civil unrest. 
While serving as president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, he spearheaded a range of LAPD advancements to improve the relationship between the agency and minorities.
In the area of community development, Mack was at the forefront of advocating for renovations of blighted neighborhoods including leading the effort to transform the Crenshaw Boulevard corridor.
His array of unselfish actions on behalf of others came to close with his passing at the age of 81. Expressing their sentiments, Mack’s family released a statement announcing his death on June 21, “surrounded by loved ones.”
Describing Mack as “a visionary leader and bedrock of the African American community,” the family statement highlighted his service as president of the Los Angeles Urban League, president of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners and life trustee for Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
“His distinctive ability to inspire others and build bridges between diverse communities was also shared in his work as co-founder of the L.A. Black Leadership Coalition on Education, vice president of the United Way Corporation of Council Executives, fellow-in-residence at Harvard University and on the Board of Directors of the Weingart Foundation. A lifetime civil rights leader and longtime member of Holman United Methodist Church, his service has been honored by numerous organizations,” the statement read.
The announcement was signed by Mack’s son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Teresa Mack; his daughters, Deborah Mack and Andria Mack; his grandchildren, Anthony II, Gabriel and Gianna Mack; and his sister, Ruth Gray. His wife, Harriett, passed away in 2016.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, July 10, at 11 a.m., at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, North Campus, 3045 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles.
As Los Angeles mourned Mack’s death, many people reflected on his tremendous impact on the city.
“As a civil rights warrior, police commission president, and ally to all who love freedom and fairness, John made history with a fierce determination to pursue justice, an unshakable commitment to equality, and an unbreakable bond with the community he worked tirelessly to uplift every day of his remarkable life,” said L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti.
L.A. Sentinel Executive Publisher/CEO Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., worked closely with Mack for decades on a variety of issues affecting South Los Angeles. Recalling Mack’s tenacity, Bakewell said, “John Mack was a true friend. Not only were we very good friends on a personal level, but we were friends in the struggle for what was right and just in our community.
“During my time as president of the Brotherhood Crusade and his tenure as president of the Urban League, we collaborated to make sure that our people were always represented with passion and a commitment for a better community over personal benefit. With his passing, our community has lost one of the greatest civil rights leaders and community activists in the history of Los Angeles, if not the country,” declared Bakewell, who also serves chairman of the board of the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade.
L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, a confidant and collaborator of Mack’s for nearly 40 years, noted, “He burnished a distinguished legacy of public service, fathering not one, but two generations of civic leaders. Ever the idealist and visionary, he refused to let institution racism, police misconduct, interethnic strife and the challenges of metropolitan politics impede his quest for civil rights, justice and progress. His work bettered the lives of so many people in Los Angeles and beyond.”
A native of Kingstree, South Carolina, Mack was born January 6, 1937 to Abram Mack, a Methodist minister and Ruth Juanita Mack, a school teacher. Delving into civil rights issues as a young man, Mack served as president of the local NAACP chapter as a student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State College. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1958 and later earned a Master’s degree at Clark Atlanta University.
Relocating to California, Mack worked at Camarillo State Mental Hospital in Oxnard, and then served a four-year stint as executive director of Urban League in Flint, Michigan. In 1969, he returned to Southern California as executive director of the Los Angeles Urban League, a position he held until retiring in 2005.
Mack’s expertise was often sought by the political leadership of L.A., as demonstrated by his service on the L.A. Police Commission from 2005 to 2013, and subsequent appointment to the Los Angeles Planning Commission. Last month, Garcetti consulted with Mack when considering the selection of a new LAPD chief and Mack voiced his support for the successful candidate, Michel Moore, due to Moore’s experience with “community policing” and commitment to “eradicating racism and brutality within the LAPD.”
Commenting on Mack’s legacy, U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass said, “There was perhaps no bigger leader in the fight for civil rights in Los Angeles than John. He was a calming and unifying leader when our city needed it most.
“John was also a mentor. I will always be grateful for his advice throughout my time in both Sacramento and Washington. But it wasn’t just me that John helped, his mentorship transcended generations of leaders and activists in our city. His assistance helped shape a new generation of Black and Brown leaders in Los Angeles committed to fighting for ideals he held dear,” stressed Bass.
“We are his legacy. John’s vision and his dreams live in each of us continuing his fight, our fight, for a better Los Angeles and an empowered Black community.”
Michael A. Lawson, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League expressed comparable thoughts about Mack, calling him “a towering figure of national significance in the fight for equality and economic empowerment for Black people.”
Lawson added, “John was one of the best at converting good intentions – of CEOs, city officials, civic leaders – into good results that helped his people climb the economic ladder. Because of him, thousands of people got opportunities that led to careers; he helped stabilize Los Angeles when it was on the verge of catastrophe; and he inspired generations of leaders who carry on the work he started and did so well.
“He’ll be remembered for a lot of things: his kindness and generosity, on one hand, and his uncompromising ferocity in fighting for the civil rights and economic prosperity for the underserved communities of Los Angeles,” Lawson said.
Offering a similar tribute, Charisse Bremond-Weaver, president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, observed, “John Mack was one of the greatest treasures that blessed this city with his leadership and service. He set the standard for us all. He was a mentor and friend. As I continue to serve my community, I pray that I can uplift and serve in the manner he served.”
Family patriarchs will take center stage at the 16th Annual Honoring Unsung Fathers (H.U.F) Awards and Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, June 17, at the Long Beach Hilton Hotel.
Sponsored by the Mablean Ephriam Foundation, the event recognizes Southern California fathers who play a vital role in all aspects of their children’s upbringing.
Ephriam, a former Los Angeles prosecuting attorney, is well known for leading the popular TV programs “Divorce Court” and “Justice with Judge Mablean.” In March, she and her daughter, Taj Paxton, made history by becoming the first African American mother/daughter to earn dual Daytime Emmy nominations.
An author and philanthropist, she created the Mablean Ephriam Foundation to strengthen families, educate minds, financially empower the residents of the impoverished communities of Los Angeles County. The H.U.F Awards and Scholarship Brunch is one of the nonprofit’s signature events.
“Very few organizations spend time honoring fathers. In the nation-at-large, there’s not a big emphasis on Father’s Day. There’s not the sales or TV commercials like there are for Mother’s Day,” explained Ephriam.
“We want to send a message that you should honor your father and that there are African American fathers who are doing what they are supposed to do. They are not all deadbeat dads.”
Seven recipients, who were nominated by family, friends or colleagues, will be honored in one of five categories. The categories are “Solo Warrior” (a father who never married the child’s mother and is the primary custodial parent), “Love Cares” (a married father, living in the home), “Fatherhood Forever” (a divorced father who divorced the mother, not the children), the “Village Dad” ( a non-biological father who stepped into the shoes of the father), and the “Loving Legacy” (an elderly father, the role model for all other fathers). None of the honorees have a history of domestic violence or non-payment of child support.
Describing the attributes of some of the honorees, Ephriam said, “My ‘Solo Warrior,’ the primary caretaker of three children, arranged his work schedule to care for them. He prepares all of their meals, combs their hair and dresses them, and drives them to school and picks them up. And he’s a young man – only 35-years-old!”
The “Living Legend” honoree, has been married 53 years to the same woman and is the father of 13 children.
“All of his children say that he is the best father, grandfather and great grandfather,” said Ephriam. “He is active in his church, active in his community and is just the epitome of fatherhood. He also mentors other children in the community.”
She also highlighted the tenacity of the 15 scholarship recipients, which are comprised of high school graduates, nursing students and adults between the ages of 25-to-40 who are entering or continuing their college education.
“These children have excelled. I have a young man who is homeless. His family lived in their car and slept on the streets. But despite all of that, he attended school and got good grades and has been accepted to college,” said Ephriam.
“Another young man moved with his family from place to place, but he turned to football and received a college scholarship to San Jose State University. These children are doing well in school and are just determined to succeed against all odds,” she noted.
In addition to saluting the honorees, the program will include an all-you-can-eat brunch, entertainment by award-winning artist Vicki Winans and saxophonist Mike Phillips, and comedian Michael Colyer serving as emcee.
Emphasizing one of her main goals in presenting the event, Ephriam said, “I want attendees to take away a positive message about our fathers. If you don’t have a positive relationship with your father, we encourage you to develop one.
“Hopefully, any fathers attending who are slacking in some areas will be encouraged to do more for their children. We want children to learn to pay homage to their fathers as well as their mothers.”
For tickets to the H.U.F Awards and Scholarship Brunch, call (323) 445-6669.
On Tuesday, June 5, Los Angeles County held its primary election to determine the California governor, state senate seats, and state assembly seats, among other positions. While some registered voters submitted vote by mail ballots, others who voted in person faced some unforeseen difficulties. In Los Angeles County 118,552 voters were accidently left off the rosters at their polling places due to a printing error. As a result, many had to cast a provisional ballot.
Many residents are concerned that their votes will not be counted and the candidates who are not moving forward to the general election feel that the ballot error may be behind the losses. The L.A. County Registrar apologized for the inconvenience and assured voters that their ballots will be counted. Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for L.A. County to keep voting centers open until Friday, June 8 for those whose names were not listed. Until the LA County Registrar’s office announces that the polls will remain open until June 8, below are the results as of press time. The winners of each political party will advance to the general election on November 6, 2018.
Governor
The primary candidates for governor are Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Republican candidates John H. Cox and Travis Allen, Democratic candidate John Chiang and Delanie Eastin among others. As of press time, Gavin Newsom who was the frontrunner, won the election receiving 32.22 percent of the vote. Cox came in close behind and Villaraigosa, came in fourth behind Allen and won’t be heading to the general election.
Karen Bass
Congresswoman Karen Bass was first elected to the House in 2010. Bass who currently holds a seat in California’s 37 Congressional District faced, Republican candidate Ron Bassilian in the primary election for the 37th Congressional District seat. Both Bass and Bassilian will advance to the general election. Bass received 84.53 percent of the vote and Bassilian received 15.47 percent.
Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, member of the U.S. House representing California’s 43rd Congressional District, ran for re-election during the primaries against Republicans Frank DeMartini, Edwin Duterte, Omar Navarro, and Green candidate Miguel Angel Zuniga. Waters beat her opponent receiving over 68.2 percent of the vote.
Holly J. Mitchell
In 2014, Senator Holly J. Mitchell was elected to represent the 30th Senate District. This year, Mitchell ran unopposed and will continue to hold her position representing the 30th Senate District.
State Assembly Seats
Reginald Jones-Sawyer
Reginald Jones-Sawyer is a Democratic member representing District 59 in the California State Assembly. This year, Jones-Sawyer is running for re-election in the primaries against Democrat Leslie Hagan-Morgan. Jones-Sawyer beat his opponent receiving 78.58 percent of the votes.
Chris Holden
Chris Holden is a member of the California State Assembly, representing District 41. Holden is running for re-election in the primary against Democratic Kenny Rotter and Independent candidate Alan Reynolds. Holden beat his opponents receiving 63.61 percent of the votes.
Mike Gipson
Mike Gipson ran unopposed and will continue to hold his position representing the 64th Assembly District.
Autumn Burke
Autumn Burke is a member of the California State Assembly representing District 62. Burke ran for re-election in the primaries against Republican Al Hernandez. Burke beat her opponents receiving 75.84 percent of the votes.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Sydney Kamlager-Dove is a member of the California State Assembly, representing District 54. Kamlager-Dove ran for re-election in the primaries against Democratic candidates Steve Dunwoody, Breon Dupree Hollie, Lamar Lyons, Tepring Michelle Piquado, and Republican candidate Glen Ratcliff. Kamlager-Dove beat her opponents receiving 51.53 percent of the votes.
Dianne Feinstein
Dianne Feinstein is a member of the U.S. Senate representing the state of California. She was first elected to the Senate in 1992, and is its oldest member. During the primaries, Feinstein ran for re-election and beat her opponents, receiving 42.8 percent of the votes.
Tony Thurmond
Tony Thurmond is a democratic member of the California State Assembly, representing District 15. During the primaries, he ran as a nonpartisan candidate for the Superintendent of Public Instruction of California. Thurmond did not beat his opponents, receiving 32.92 percent of the votes.
Congressional Seats:
Nannette Barragán is a member of the U.S. House representing the 44th Congressional District of California. Barragán who was elected in 2016, ran for re-election in the primaries against Jazmina Saavedra, Compton Mayor Aja Brown who withdrew, and Stacey Dash who withdrew. Barragán beat her opponents receiving 62.2 percent of the votes.
Judy Chu is a member of the U.S. House representing California’s 27th Congressional District. Chu ran for re-election against her opponent, Democratic Bryan Witt. Chu beat her opponent receiving 82.92 percent of the votes.
Lieutenant Governor: The primary candidates for the June 5 election include Democratic candidates Jeff Bleich, Cameron Gharabiklou, Ed Hernandez, Eleni Kounalakis; Republican candidates David Fennel, Cole Harris, David Hernandez, Lydia Ortega; Libertarian candidate Tim Ferreira; and no party preference candidates Gayle McLaughlin and Danny Thomas. Hernandez beat his opponents receiving 29.36 percent of the votes.
State Controller: The primary candidates for State Controller are Betty Yee, Incumbent; Republican candidate Konstantinos Roditis, and Peace and Freedom candidate Mary Lou Finely. Yee beat her opponents receiving 66.44 percent of the votes.
Attorney General: The primary candidates for Attorney General are Democrat Xavier Becerra, Incumbent; Democratic candidate Dave Jones, and Republican candidate Steven Bailey and Eric Early. Becerra beat his opponents receiving over 51.38 percent of the votes.
Secretary of State: The primary candidates for Secretary of State are Democratic candidates Alex Padilla, Incumbent, and Reuben Major; Republican candidates Mark P. Meuser, Raul Rodriguez Jr.; Green candidates Michael Feinstein and Erik Rydberg; Libertarian candidate Gail Lightfoot and Peace and Freedom candidate C.T. Weber. Padilla beat his opponents receiving over 57.22 percent of the votes.
Treasurer: The primary candidates for Treasurer are democratic candidates Fiona Ma, Vivek Viswanathan, Republican candidates Greg Conlon and Jack Guerrero, and Peace and Freedom candidate Kevin Akin. Ma beat her opponents receiving over 44.05 percent of the votes.
Insurance Commissioner: The primary candidates for Insurance Commissioner are Democratic candidates Ricardo Lara, Asif Mahmood, Peace and Freedom candidate Nathalie Hrizi, and independent candidate Steve Poizner. Lara beat his opponents receiving over 49.37 percent of the votes.
Board of Equalization: The primary candidates for the Board of Equalization, Third District are Democratic candidates Doug Kriegel, Ben Park, Nancy Pearlman, Scott Svonkin, Cheryl Turner, Tony Vazquez, Republican candidate G. Rick Marshall, and No Party Preference candidate, Micheál "Me-Haul" O'Leary. Marshall beat his opponents receiving 29.63 percent of the votes.
County Assessor: Jeff Prang ran for re-election for the L.A. County Assessor against John Loew, Krish Kumar and Sandy Sun. Prang beat his opponents receiving 44.32 percent of the votes.
County Sherriff: The candidates for L.A. County Sherriff were retired Undersheriff Paul Tanaka; Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell; Assistant Sheriff James Hellmold; Assistant Sheriff Todd Rogers; Bob Olmsted, a retired sheriff's commander; Patrick Gomez, a retired sheriff's lieutenant; and Lou Vince, a senior detective supervisor with the LAPD. During the primaries, McDonnell beat the other challengers receiving 50.80 percent of the votes.
Judicial Seats:
• Office #4- A. Veronica Sauceda- received 45.17 percent of votes
• Office #16-Patricia (Patti) Hunter-received 37.32 percent of votes
• Office #20-Wendy Seagall- received 54.85 percent of votes
• Office #60-Tony J. Cho- received 48.52 percent of votes
• Office #63- Malcolm H. Mackey- received 76.83 percent of votes
• Office #67-Marcia Lucy Armendariz- received 56.93 percent of votes
• Office #71-Danielle R.A. Gibbons- received 55.18 percent of votes
• Office #113-Javier Perez- received 36.12 percent of votes
• Office#118-Troy Davis- received 63.83 percent of votes
• Office #126-Rene Caldwell Gilbertson- received 54.23 percent of votes
• Office #146-Emily Theresa Spear-received 64.58 percent of votes
State Measures
Proposition 68: Parks, Environment, and Water Bond
Proposition 68 passed as of press time with 56.88 percent in favor and 43.12 percent opposed. According to the ballot, the proposition “will authorize $4 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local parks, environmental protection and restoration projects, water infrastructure projects, and flood protection projects. Assuming a 3.5 percent interest rate over a 30-year period, the bond issue would generate $2.53 billion in interest, meaning the state would spend $6.53 billion to pay off the bond issue.”
Proposition 69: Transportation Taxes and Fees Lockbox and Appropriations Limit Exemption Amendment
Proposition 69 passed as of press time with 82.06 percent in favor and 17.94 opposed. According to the ballot, the proposition “will not affect anything. SB 1, which was also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, enacted an estimated $5.2 billion-a-year increase in transportation-related taxes and fees, including a $0.12 cents per gallon increase of the gasoline excise tax, a $0.20 cents per gallon increase of the diesel excise tax, a 4 percentage points increase of the diesel sales tax, an annual $25 to $100 Transportation Improvement Fee, and an annual $100 zero-emission vehicles fee.”
Proposition 70: Vote Requirement to Use Cap-and-Trade Revenue Amendment
Proposition 70 did not passed as of press time with 61.93 percent opposed and 38.07 percent in favor. According to the ballot, the proposition will “require a one-time two-thirds vote in each chamber of the California State Legislature to use revenue from the State Air Resources Board's auctioning or sale of greenhouse gas emissions allowances under the state's cap-and-trade program. To make sure no revenue is spent without the two-thirds vote, the measure would place all revenue from the cap-and-trade program in a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Reserve Fund beginning on January 1, 2024. The vote would take place anytime on or after January 1, 2024. Revenue would collect in this reserve fund until the one-time two-thirds vote occurred. If legislators failed to secure a two-thirds vote, revenue would keep collecting in the reserve fund and the state would be unable to spend the revenue. Between January 1, 2024, and the passage of the spending bill, the measure would also suspend a sales tax exemption for manufacturers, increasing tax revenue about $260 million per year. If legislators succeed at securing a two-thirds vote, revenue would begin to fill the non-reserve Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which requires a simple majority vote to use money from.”
Proposition 71: Effective Date of Ballot Measures Amendment
Proposition 71 passed as of press time with 78.44 percent in favor and 21.56 percent opposed. According to the ballot, the proposition will “move the effective date of ballot propositions to the fifth day after the secretary of state certifies election results, rather than the day after the election. As of 2018, the secretary of state was required to certify election results no later than the 38th day after the election. For example, when voters approved Proposition 64 on November 8, 2016, the recreational use of marijuana became legal under state law on November 9, 2016. If Proposition 64 was approved under the process outlined by Proposition 71, the recreational use of marijuana would have become legal on December 17, 2016.”
Proposition 72: Rainwater Capture Systems Excluded from Property Tax Assessments Amendment
Proposition 72 passed as of press time with 83.41 percent in favor and 16.59 percent opposed. According to the ballot, the proposition will “allow the California State Legislature to exclude rainwater capture systems added to properties after January 1, 2019, from counting as new construction. When a property owner adds new construction to his or her property, the new construction is assessed for taxable value. Adding a rainwater capture system to one's property counts as a new construction. As the ballot measure would exclude rainwater capture systems from the definition of new construction, the taxable value of a property would not increase because the property owner added a rainwater capture system. Legislation associated with Proposition 72 would define rainwater capture systems as facilities designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off rooftops or other manmade aboveground hard surfaces for onsite use.”