California Props; Did we get them right?

By Erika Aguilar  |Staff Writer|

After the election, twelve of the seventeen propositions were approved by voters; the other five that failed to do so will have an impact on Californians.

Prop. 51 allows California to borrow $9 billion to improve overall education.

“I think it’s great because money has been taken away from school over the years and it’s obvious it has had an affect on this generation,” said student Breanne Downey.

Prop. 52 guarantees funding for Medi-Cal to help low-income families.

“It’s great that this prop passed because it helps pay for health care services for children, low income families and seniors who pay for their medical expenses,” said student Sandra Gonzalez.

Prop. 53 would let state revenue bonds continue to be used without voter approval.

“The state should focus more on important projects that require bonds and voters need to be aware of where the money is going,” said student Valeria Pantoja.

Prop. 54 requires any bill to be published online for at least 72 hours before final vote.

“It is not fair that America says that every vote counts yet we do not know what is actually happening according to the electoral votes,” said Counselor at Arrowview Middle School, Kim Telphy.

Prop. 55 calls for an extension of income increase on the wealthy to fund education/healthcare programs.

“This will allow our public schools to continue to produce better students year after year,” said student Luis Lozano.

Prop. 56 increases tobacco tax by $2 to $2.87 per pack.

“The tax on tobacco products should raise not only to help pay for medicine and make it cheaper for low income citizens, but to also to help smokers reduce the amount they smoke to improve their health,” said student Melanie Castenada.

Prop. 57 states that judges will decide whether to try juveniles as young in adult courts.

“I believe if someone committed a non-violent crime, they deserve to have a second chance in being a free person,” said student Jessica Mercado.

Prop. 58 allows public schools to use bilingual programs to help students become proficient in English.

“It will help those whose first language was Spanish transition into the English language a lot faster and for those that already speak English to master a second language,” said student Ariana Prieto.

Prop. 59 means voters will be asking their elected officials to use their authority to have more regulation of campaign spending and contributions.

“Proposition 59 has no force of law,” says Imad Museitef, “it does nothing.”

Prop. 60 opposes the use of condoms and other safety measures during filming pornographic films.

“I agree with the result of this prop because if actors were to require the use of condoms, it would lead to many lawsuits that could threaten the safety of adult performers,” said Jorge Espinoza.

Prop. 61 will not require state agencies to pay more than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays for prescription drugs.

Prop. 62 the death penalty remains a sentencing option.

“Everyone should be entitled to their own death and how they choose to go about it,” said student Desary Lopez.

Prop. 63 requires a permit before selling or buying ammunition.

“The passing of this prop is essential for us in a way that we are more safe in knowing who is allowed to buy ammunition,” said Student Yulissa Ruano.

Prop. 64 legalizes marijuana for recreational purposes for adults aged 21 and includes two new taxes.

“With marijuana now being legal in California, I feel like there will be a lot more people that will be using it medically since it has been proven to be more effective than medicine,” said Student Abraham Monje.

Prop 65 would have given the ten cents fee for plastic bags to environmental programs.

“The passing of this prop would have been a great step towards a more environmental conscious society,” said Student Colomba Sanchez.

Prop. 66 changes the death penalty procedures to speed up the death penalty.

“The death penalty is great because it is less tax dollars coming out of our pockets to keep criminals in jail,” said Student Sofia Fregoso.

Prop. 67 bans plastic bags and requires stores to charge at least a dime for reusable bags.

“The ban on single-use plastic bags in a way affects the users of those bags because not all people use them once,” said Student Angelina Dominguez.