State Ballot Proposition Recommendations for the June 7, 2016 Election

In every statewide election, the California Council of Churches IMPACT makes recommendations for the state
ballot propositions. We base them on our faith principles and arrive at them through prayerful discernment and
careful study. This June there is only one proposition on the state ballot. More information is available at
voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions.

Proposition 50 Legislative Constitutional Amendment Recommendation: SUPPORT

Proposition 50 is the only item on the primary election ballot. It is a Constitutional Amendment that permits the
Legislature to strengthen its ability to expel or suspend any member with a 2/3 vote. The Proposition also
strengthens the Political Reform Act of 1974 with respect to key issues affecting outside influence on
legislators policies and votes.
Recently three members of the California State Senate found themselves facing criminal inquiry. The Senate
had limited ability to suspend or expel them per the existing language in the California State Constitution.
Proposition 50 would permit the respective houses to suspend or expel members and also to stop their pay,
forbid them from acting in their capacity as a legislator, and from using any of their governmental resources
during a suspension as well as an expulsion. Should the member be found innocent of the charges, their
respective house would also have the right to reinstate said legislator with a second 2/3 vote.
In addition Proposition 50 bars all honoraria, gifts of a nature that could be considered a conflict of interest, and
other inducements that have long come under question as issues of undue influence. It also affirms more
strongly the bar on former legislators and officials against lobbying for 12 months following their departure
from their official position. The nature of other issues, such as sponsored travel, etc. will be left up to the
Legislature, but the Proposition directs them to set clear and unambiguous terms and conditions for such items.
California Church IMPACT has long supported strengthening the Political Reform Act to achieve these
standards. While it still leaves some determinations to the legislators themselves, this is a solid step in the right
direction toward removing undue influence from our deliberative body making our laws.
You will still be able to send flowers to thank a legislator for good work, but large money interests would be
limited to the same. Thats progress.
This measure has one opponent. It has thousands of supporters.
Proposition 50.

CCI recommends you vote YES on

The Last Day to Register to Vote is May 23

Registering to vote is easier than ever with the online form at registertovote.ca.gov. Registration forms are also
available at most post offices, libraries, city and county government offices, and the California Secretary of
States office.
California Council of Churches IMPACT
4044 Pasadena Avenue, Sacramento CA 95821
(916) 488-7300 churchimpact.org