By Brenda Acuna |Staff Writer|
Discord among labor leaders and super PACs (Political Action Committees) continues as the battle for Proposition 32 wages on.
Proposition 32, a measure appearing on this November’s ballot, aims to prohibit unions and corporations from deducting funds from workers’ paychecks to fund political campaigns, but still allows voluntary employee contributions.
In addition, Proposition 32 would forbid corporations and unions from making direct contributions to state and local candidates, and the committees that fund them.
According to the official sampling ballot for the upcoming Nov. 6 election, “the fiscal impact is increased costs to state and local government, potentially exceeding $1 million annually, to implement and enforce the measure’s requirements.”
Supporters of Proposition 32 claim it is needed because special interests control California’s government. Proponents claim that Proposition 32 would “cut ties between special interests and politicians,” according to East County Magazine.
In addition, advocates support this provision as it will allow union members to directly support the candidate of their choice. It will give them the option to voluntarily contribute to a campaign rather than having a union or corporation regulate where their payroll deduction is going.
Groups in favor of the proposition include the California Republican Party, the California Taxpayer Protection Committee, Waste Watchers and several city and country taxpayer organizations.
CSUSB sophomore Mayra Macias is in favor of the initiative. “By not having a payroll deduction, we still have a voice. Workers still have the option to voluntarily donate.”
Opponents of Proposition 32 criticize the proposal’s claim about stopping special interests. Advocates against the proposal argue that the measure actually gives special exemptions to super PACs and that it would have no effect on the issues in Sacramento.
Opponents argue that the proposal places unfair restrictions on the working class and their unions. They claim it wouldn’t take money out of politics because it exempts big businesses like Wall Street investment firms and insurance companies, which have been major contributors to California political campaigns.
According to the League of Women Voters, an advocate for No on Proposition 32 campaign, argues “the measure does not take money out of politics. Super PACs and independent expenditure committees are exempt from its controls.”
Others opposing the initiative also argue that the proposition would make it easier for political action committees to buy elections, because it was “intentionally written for billionaires to have more power to write their own rules,” says East County Magazine.
“Prop. 32 isn’t designed to solve our economic problems,” says CSUSB junior Jesus Gonzales. “It sounds like it will just limit the voices of the people supporting it, like teachers and firefighters.”
Opponents of the initiative include The League of Women Voters, ACLU California, The California Federation of Teachers, California Professional Firefighters, California Democratic Party and labor organizations.
While there are supporters and those against the proposal, there are still many voters who are undecided.
“I have mixed feelings because I don’t feel like I have a say in any of this. All I know is that in today’s society, if you have money you automatically have power,” says CSUSB junior Janet Teran.
A “yes” on Proposition 32 means that unions and corporations cannot use money deducted from an employee’s paycheck for political purposes. Individuals would have the option of contributing voluntarily. A “no” on this vote means that you reject any change to existing laws regarding this matter.
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