Beware of who is behind ballot initiatives in your state. PBS last night.

[madfloridian]

If you missed this, you need to follow the links at the PBS website for NOW last night. Montana was the featured state with the initiative secretly funded by Howard Rich to cut the state budget...a plan which had already failed in a neighboring state and been cancelled.

This was scary. Even in court the leaders of the Montana ballot intiative group, when called on his trickery, refused to disclose who was funding it.

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/238/index.html

"In the voting booth this fall, voters in states across the country will find ballot initiatives with titles like "Taxpayers' Bill of Rights" and "SOS - Stop Over Spending."

The aim is to slash state spending, with the potential for deep cuts in health care, education, and other social services. But are these local initiatives really "home" grown? This week, NOW investigates how organizations associated with one wealthy New Yorker, Howard Rich, are secretly providing major funding for ballot measures.

NOW also takes a look at the questionable tactics used to put these issues on your ballot. Is someone manipulating your state's laws, your vote, and you?

Editors Note: Grover Norquist's affiliation was mislabeled in the video broadcast. He's with Americans for Tax Reform, not Americans for Limited Government."

Over the past 30 years, New York real estate magnate Howard Rich has steered millions of dollars toward the libertarian causes he has long championed, though he has managed to largely remain under the political radar while doing so. The 66-year-old Republican, who goes by "Howie," serves as chairman of Americans for Limited Government, a national coalition that works with local groups to "protect property rights, stop out-of-control government spending, and hold judges accountable to the rule of law."

Organizations associated with Rich have funneled nearly $7 million into 2006 state initiatives aiming to limit government in 12 states, according to an investigation by The Oregonian published last month. Rich has generally declined to reveal how much of the money comes from his personal wealth, and is not required by campaign finance laws to report how much he privately funds his various groups.

Early in his career, Rich was active in the Libertarian Party and worked with other leaders of the party, such as powerful billionaire Charles Koch, to promote their small-government, free-market causes."

There is also a state map to check out your own state ballot initiatives.

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/238/ballot-issues.html

[xxqqqzme]

1. Prop 90 on CA is part of this racket

NO on 90.

[lonestarnot]

2. Thanks MF.

[madfloridian]

3. I am stunned to see how many are on our November ballot.

It is scary, and it really doesn't give a way to research...I feel uncomfortable about some of them.

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/pdf/2006_prop_consti_amend.pdf

[lonestarnot]

4. Yes and most are NO votes to me

Ballot Number Identifier Sponsor Date Filed Ballot Status Short Title Full Text
100 HCR 2028 Legislature May 12, 2005 Yes BAILABLE OFFENSES
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING ARTICLE II, SECTION 22, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; RELATING TO BAILABLE OFFENSES. HTML
PDF
101 HCR 2056 Legislature June 21, 2006 Yes LOCAL PROPERTY TAX LEVIES
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING ARTICLE IX, SECTION 19, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; RELATING TO LOCAL PROPERTY TAX LEVIES. HTML
PDF
102 SCR 1001 Legislature June 22, 2006 Yes STANDING IN CIVIL ACTIONS
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING ARTICLE II, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA, BY ADDING SECTION 35; RELATING TO STANDING IN CIVIL ACTIONS. HTML
PDF
103 HCR 2036 Legislature June 22, 2006 Yes ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; REPEALING ARTICLE XXVIII, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE XXVIII; RELATING TO ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. HTML
PDF
104 HCR 2001 Legislature June 22, 2006 Yes MUNICIPAL DEBT
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING ARTICLE IX, SECTION 8, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; RELATING TO MUNICIPAL DEBT. HTML
PDF
105 HCR 2045 Legislature June 22, 2006 Yes STATE TRUST LANDS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONAL REPEAL AND CONDITIONAL ENACTMENT
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING ARTICLE X, SECTIONS 3 AND 4, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA; AMENDING ARTICLE X, CONSTITUTION OF ARIZONA, BY ADDING SECTIONS 4.1, 4.2 AND 4.3; RELATING TO STATE TRUST LANDS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONAL REPEAL AND CONDITIONAL ENACTMENT. HTML
PDF
106 C-03-2006 Conserving Arizona's Future 4000 N. Central Ave., Suite 1600 Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-264-1774 Penny A. Kotterman, Applicant 480-460-4544 Pat Graham, Chairman 602-322-6990 John H. Wright, III, Treasurer 602-264-1774 June 30, 2006 Yes Conserving Arizona's Future
Conserving Arizona's Future is a simple and straight forward reform that will conserve and protect approximately 690,000 acres of some of the most important natural areas in Arizona. For the first time, state trust land will be permanently set aside for conservation purposes protecting more of Arizona's land and water for future generations. The initiative will also protect and guarantee an essential classroom funding stream through improved planning and management of state trust lands, require local communities to cooperate in the planning and development of trust lands, and provide local authorities the power to limit and control development. HTML
PDF
107 C-02-2006 Protect Marriage Arizona 10645 North Tatum Blvd., Ste. 200-641 Phoenix, AZ 85028 602-978-0737 D. Brad Frese, Applicant Lynn Stanley, Chairman Bob Semple, Treasurer 2700 North Central Avenue, Ninth Floor Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-241-1500 July 6, 2006 Yes Protect Marriage Arizona
This proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution preserves marriage as only consisting of the union of one man and one woman, and prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from creating or recognizing any legal status for unmarried persons that is similar to that of marriage. HTML
PDF
200 I-01-2006 Arizonans for Voter Rewards I-01-2006 P.O. Box 35037 Tucson, AZ 85740 520/886-6326 Mark Osterloh, Applicant and Chairman Ethel Rocco, Treasurer 520/544-9011 May 22, 2006 Yes AZ Voter Reward Act
This law will establish a voter reward random drawing every two years with a first prize of one million dollars or more. The purpose is to increase voter participation. Voters who cast ballots in primary or general elections will be eligible to win. The money will come from the Arizona Lottery and private donations. HTML
PDF
201 I-05-2006 Smoke-Free Arizona Yes on I-05-2006 2929 South 48th Street Tempe, Arizona 85282 602/414-5339 Bill Pfeifer, Chairman and Applicant John Rivers, Treasurer June 20, 2006 Yes Smoke-Free Arizona Act
The Smoke-Free Arizona Act protects the right of Arizonans to breathe clean indoor air by prohibiting smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment. Breathing second hand smoke harms children, seniors and people with existing health problems the most. Enforcement by the Arizona Department of Health Services will be paid for by a tax on cigarettes of one tenth of one cent per cigarette. Limited exceptions are provided such as private residences, retail tobacco stores, and outdoor patios. No smoking signs will be posted in all areas where smoking is prohibited. HTML
PDF
202 I-13-2006 Arizona Minimum Wage Coalition Yes on I-13-2006 2800 N. Central Ave., Ste. 1000 Phoenix, AZ 85004 480/784-4890 Rebekeh Friend, Chair 602/631-4488 Sarah Markey, Treasurer 602/254-5299 June 26, 2006 Yes Arizona Minimum Wage Coalition
The Raise the Minimum Wage for Working Arizonans Act increases the minimum wage to $6.75 an hour for working Arizonans starting in 2007. So that Arizona workers continue to receive fair paychecks that keep up with inflation, the Arizona minimum wage will then be adjusted one time each year to keep pace with the cost-of-living. The initiative applies the Arizona minimum wage law statewide because in Arizona no fulltime worker should get a wage so low that they live in poverty. HTML
PDF
203 I-16-2006 First Things First for Arizona's Children P.O. Box 34891 Phoenix, AZ 85067 602/266-5118 Nadine Mathis Basha, Applicant & Chairman 602/266-5118 Joshua J. Allen, Treasurer 928/525-2320 June 28, 2006 Yes First Things First for Arizona's Children
All Arizonans benefit from voluntary early childhood education. Children start school ready to succeed; parents are able to keep good jobs and earn highter incomes; and taxpayers save money because early childhood education lowers drop-out rates, reduces crime, and cuts the cost of social services. This initiative would increase funding for early childhood developement and health programs. Local councils who know their communities' needs would distribute the majority of the funding, with oversight by a statewide board subject to audits and other accountability measures. Dedicated funding would come from an increase on the sales price of tobacco products. HTML
PDF
204 I-07-2006 Arizonans for Humane Farms (AHS, ADLA, HSUS, Farm Sanctuary) in Support of I-07-2006 P. O. Box 3075 Tempe, AZ 85280 480/449-7644 Cheryl Naumann, Chairman July 6, 2006 Yes Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act
Arizona citizens are concerned about the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals; the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act, recommended by the Arizona Humane Society and The Humane Society of the United States, requires that pigs during pregnancy and calves raised for veal must be given sufficient space to turn around, lie down, and fully extend their limbs when tethered, or confined in crates, cages, or other enclosures; includes exceptions, such as for veterinary purposes and during the pig's prebirthing period; the Act allows six years to adopt more humane practices and does not require mandatory expenditure of state revenues. HTML
PDF
205 I-11-2006 Your Right to Vote 1931 Hwy 95 Bullhead City, AZ 86403 602/697-0891 Rick L. Murphy, Applicant and Chairman 928/704-7272 Chris Rolauno, Treasurer 928/855-4560 July 6, 2006 Yes Your Right to Vote
The single purpose of this initiative is to ensure that all registered voters are automatically mailed ballots from the election official before every election. Automatically mailed ballots shall be in proper form for voting, have all necessary instructions and shall be accompanied by a postage paid first class return envelope to the election official. A limited number of county-wide polling places shall remain open on election days for on site voting and for voters to return of automatically mailed ballots. HTML
PDF
206 I-22-2006 Arizona Non-Smoker Protection Committee PO Box 1145, Phoenix, AZ 85001 602-385-0471 Mark Anthony Desimone, Applicant & Chairman 602-235-9473 Fred Mallaire, Treasurer 602-285-1092 July 6, 2006 Yes Arizona Non-Smoker Protection Committee
The Arizona Non-Smoker Protection Act creates a balanced, reasonable, consistent, statewide non-smoking law, protecting minors and preserving private property rights. The Act will not raise taxes or create new government programs. The Act would prohibit smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment, except bars and tobacco shops. Minors are not permitted in any part of a bar or tobacco shop that permits smoking. Signs must notify patrons and employees where smoking is permitted. If part of a larger business, the bars and tobacco shops must be separated by floor to ceiling partitions and separate ventilation systems. HTML
PDF
207 I-21-2006 AZ Home Owners Protection Effort (AZ-HOPE) 3431 W. Thunderbird, #302, Phoenix, AZ 85053 602-315-1737 Lori Klein, Applicant 623-218-6090 Carol Springer, Chairman 928-445-1363 John R. Norton, Treasurer 602-954-8812 July 6, 2006 Yes Private Property Rights Protection Act
The Private Property Rights Protection Act is Arizona's response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision allowing government to seize land for private commercial development. This Act protects private property by defining public use to mean only the public will own and use the land and declares that the public benefits of economic development, including increased tax revenues and employment, shall not constitute a public use. The Act ensures that Arizona citizens receive just compensation if they lose their property or lose the value of their property when government takes or enacts a law that diminishes the value of private property. HTML
PDF
300 SCR 1031 Legislature June 22, 2006 Yes PUBLIC PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENACTING AND ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE PEOPLE OF A MEASURE RELATING TO PUBLIC PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY. HTML
PDF
301 SCR 1033 Legislature June 22, 2006 Yes PROBATION FOR METHAMPHETAMINE OFFENSES
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ENACTING AND ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE PEOPLE OF A MEASURE RELATING TO PROBATION FOR METHAMPHETAMINE OFFENSES. HTML
PDF
302 N/A Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers June 30, 2006 Yes STATE LEGISLATORS' SALARIES
THE COMMISSION ON SALARIES FOR ELECTIVE STATE OFFICERS RECOMMENDS THE SALARIES OF LEGISLATORS BE INCREASED TO $36,000. HTML
PDF

[madfloridian]

5. AZ is one of the states being targeted by the Norquest/ Rich bunch

Howard Rich is apparently a libertarian who believes in no govt. handouts at all. You really need to see the video about Montana if you are in AZ.

[lonestarnot]

6. Which video is that? The one helderheid posted this am?

2 hours? I've seen it and have been herding cats all am. but if it is another one to which you reference, will you please post a link if it's not too much trouble. Thanks MF!

[madfloridian]

7. The 15 minute, approx., video is on this page at PBS on the right.

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/238/index.html

It says ballot initiatives. The other 15 minutes was devoted to how Dems are not doing well and we need to run a republican and Dem ticket...Unity 08. That made me mad.

[lonestarnot]

8. Thanks MF will view!

[madfloridian]

9. It just shows how sneaky these groups are that do this.

They appear to be local, but they are often funded by billionaires out of New York.

[Pachamama]

10. As a general rule, its better to vote straight NO's on the initiatives

unless you have thoroughly studied them, know who is behind them and what the pros and cons are. These days, so many of these initiatives are phrased and worded in such a way that even a person who is intelligent and reads it many times over, can believe its something when its the complete opposite.

Remember - if you can't study them thoroughly or are confused, VOTE NO!

[madfloridian]

11. Next big battle is Oregon...also Maine and Nebraska.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1158719155118760.xml&coll=7

Oregon is biggest spending cap fight left

"Oregon will be one of three states with a proposed spending cap on this fall's ballot, after officials in Michigan, Nevada and Montana disqualified proposed spending cap measures.

Oregon is by far the biggest of the three -- the others being Maine and Nebraska -- positioning it to be the most-watched battleground on the issue.

The measures would limit increases in state spending to the gain in inflation plus population.

Backers of Oregon's measure submitted 109,000 valid signatures, comfortably above the minimum. Nearly 90 percent of the money for their signature drive came from Americans for Limited Government. A broad coalition of unions, businesses, retiree groups, education advocates and law enforcement workers has formed to fight the Oregon measure. The coalition says it would harm vital services, including schools, public health and roads, whose costs often rise faster than inflation."

This measure in Oregon was drafted by the Taxpayers Association of Oregon. I have a funny feeling we have some stuff like that going on here in our area. AND one is a Democrat...I am going to check her out further.

"But advocates at the Taxpayer Association of Oregon, whose leaders wrote the measure, say they are confident Oregonians will favor a measure that allows limited growth in government and is likely to divert huge sums of tax revenues into a rainy day fund."

And like most states, I bet the average person doesn't even know it is going on.

[madfloridian]

12. The first one on the FL link looks like it is similar to Montana's.

Not sure, as it is very hard to understand.

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/pdf/2006_prop_consti_amend.pdf

[madfloridian]

13. I just noticed two that sound good on the surface.

But I have not heard anything about thing, and I don't know who is behind them. I am suspicious of all of them without more info.

Here is one:

"Ballot Title:
INCREASED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Ballot Summary:
Proposing amendment of the State Constitution to
exemption for low-income seniors from $25,000 to
take effect January 1, 2007, if adopted."

Or this one:

"Ballot Title:
PERMANENTLY DISABLED VETERANS’ DISCOUNT ON HOMESTEAD AD VALOREM TAX
Ballot Summary:
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to provide a discount from the amount of ad
valorem tax on the homestead of a partially or totally permanently disabled veteran who is age
65 or older who was a Florida resident at the time of entering military service, whose disability
was combat-related, and who was honorably discharged;"