The state budget, tax increases and the debacle waiting to happen with 1A through 1F have drawn a lot of criticism from political insiders and commentators. And now the public is weighing in. And it’s not looking good for the Governor and his Democratic allies in legislature.
The new PPIC poll (see the full report by clicking the link below) shows less than 50% support for each of the substantive ballot measures on the May ballot. The only proposition with significant voter support, is the seemingly benign Prop. 1F.
1A – 39% YES, 46% NO, 15% UNSURE
1B – 44% YES, 41% NO, 15% UNSURE
1C – 37% YES, 50% NO, 11% UNSURE
1D – 48% YES, 36% NO, 16% UNSURE
1E – 47% YES, 37% NO, 16% UNSURE
1F – 81% YES, 13% NO, 6% UNSURE
Widespread disapproval with the governor (56% disapprove) and legislature (68% disapprove) is likely a major contributing factor to this poor showing by the propositions. Also, 46% of the likely voters polled says the fact that the propositions are "part of the budget plan" makes no difference to them.
Prop. 1B has majority support among Democratic voters. It’s title is "Education Funding Payment Plan Act". How cliche.
Conversely, it is fascinating that the two measures with the best numbers 1D and 1E take money away from children and the mentally disabled.
If you are looking for another reason for the lack of support for the Props and another indication that something in California has gone terribly wrong: the Republican Party of Orange County and now the California Peace and Freedom Party agree and have each voted to oppose Props. 1A through 1F. The Peace and Freedom Party says, "We studied each proposition and decided on them individually, and each merited opposition. We consider all proposed legislation in the light of one question: Is it good for working people? All of the propositions failed this test." Sounds like a good test to me.
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