November 2012 Election, California, Proposition 32

Vote Recommendation: Yes

Unions, as currently organized, do not serve the people well. They steal from their workers to lobby for power and support pet projects. The government, in turn has conceded to them the power to do so, and quixotically these champions of the worker become yet another tool of oppression. In the history of the worker the government has oppressed the unions they have forged in support of industry, violating our right to assemble, and then alternatively, institutionalized unions and forced many classes of workers into them. Neither situation seems ideal, and I think this measure is a step in the right direction. It doesn't completely return unions to the people, but it reduces the ability of unions to misuse their power.

See: November 2012 Election, California

Details

Prohibits Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction. Prohibitions on Contributions to Candidates.

Initiative Statute

Summary

Prohibits unions from using payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use prohibition to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Prohibits union and corporate contributions to candidates and their committees. Prohibits government contractor contributions to elected officers or their committees. Fiscal Impact: Increased costs to state and local government, potentially exceeding $1 million annually, to implement and enforce the measure’s requirements.

External Resources

• Voter Information Guide - Secretary of State
• Official Title and Summary - Secretary of State
• Analysis - Secretary of State
• Arguments and Rebuttals - Secretary of State
• Text of Proposed Law - Secretary of State
• California Proposition 32 - Ballotpedia