Thursday, 21 May 2009 00:41
Special Election Coverage
Amador County – A polls previously predicted, voters across the state rejected five of the six budget-related propositions in Tuesday’s Special Election. Only Proposition 1F, which prevents many top elected officials from receiving pay raises in years when the state is running a deficit, passed. Most of the propositions received more than a 65 percent “no” vote. Had all the measures passed, the state's deficit would have been slightly reduced to $15 billion. As the Golden State’s financial woes grew ever deeper, indecision and partisan divides within the state legislature led to a $42 billion budget package proposal three months ago that included the budget provisions voted on yesterday. A Field poll released earlier this month suggested that nearly 75 percent of registered voters disapproved of the state legislature’s job – the poorest rating ever recorded by the survey. The legislature now faces tough decisions over how to pay the state’s debts, and Schwarzenegger may now recommend severe cuts in education and social services. And in a move that has drawn some criticism, Schwarzenegger's budget also calls for selling off state properties, including San Quentin State Prison and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In Amador County, voter turnout was low at around 9,000. Amador County citizens were consistent with statewide voters in voting against Propositions 1A through 1E, and overwhelmingly voted “yes” for 1F. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.