Summary Kathy Hayes

Posted by Rich Randolph on Oct 09, 2016

Kathy Hayes: Read Ballot Carefully!!!

With 17 Statewide ballot initiatives or propositions to be decided on November 8, having a clear understanding of your vote's impact is no simple task. Kathy Hayes clarified many measures' complexities, providing members and guests valuable insight into possible legislative changes.

Kathy's expertise at analyzing and articulating legislative intricacies has been developed in several related positions. She was a field representative for Congressman Mike Thompson, Governmental Affairs Director for North Bay Association of Realtors and Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce.

Just a few comments on a the initiative process. To qualify for the ballot, statewide signatures are required and associated costs are in the million dollar range. For an amendment to the constitution, signatures of 8% of the total votes cast for governor in the last election are needed (585,407). 5% are required for statutes, (365,880). Some Propositions call for a State Constitutional amendment while others are for a change in Statute, or both, such as Proposition 54 -Legislative Transparency, and 57- Parole & Sentencing.

While most issues have partisan based support, 51- School General Obligation Bonds has both Republican and Democrat endorsement, as does 52- MediCal Hospital Fee adjustments, and 60- Condoms & Adult Movies.

Four propositions are linked, 62 - Death Penalty repeal with 66- Procedural Changes to the Death Penalty, and 65-Grocery Bag Charges with 67 Referendum of Plastic Bag Ban.

Read Carefully!!