Marriage, illegal immigration big issues on ballot
Elizabeth Taggart
On Nov. 4, eight propositions will be on the ballot for voters to decide on.
Proposition 100
“Protect Our Homes”- Amend the state constitution to prohibit any new tax on the sale or transfer of property.For – Passing the prop protects the equity of homes and keeps housing affordable.
Against – Arizona is too reliant on taxes that aren’t diversified and don’t provide consistent income for the state. Changing the constitution is restrictive and would shift government costs from businesses and the wealthy to middle and low income families.
Proposition 101
“Medical Choice for Arizona”- Amend the state constitution so that no law restricts a person’s freedom to choose a private healthcare plan or the right to pay directly for medical services.
For – It keeps patients in control of their treatment and reserves the right to seek second opinions.
Against – Limiting future legislation is dangerous when it’s impossible to predict what laws may be needed. It would prevent the state from creating a universal system where everyone has access to medical care.
Proposition 102
“Marriage”- Amend the state constitution to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in this state.
For – Heterosexual marriage is better for children and same-sex marriage would hurt society as a whole.
Against – Arizona law already prohibits same-sex marriage and Arizonans rejected a similar proposal two years ago. Lawmakers are giving into one extreme group of people who want to write discrimination into the constitution. Constitutions should restrict the government to protect the people, not restrict choice.
Proposition 105
“Majority Rules-Let the People Decide”- Proposed tax increases and spending bills would have to be voted in by a majority of registered voters, not just those who actually voted.
For – Arizona has a $1 billion deficit and low voter turnout. Spending increases should reflect the will of a true majority.
Against – Prop 105 empowers people who don’t exercise their right to vote and gives a voice to apathy. It causes a minority of people, non-voters, to impact the entire state. If less than 50 percent of the population votes, even if everyone votes yes, it won’t pass because everyone who didn’t vote will automatically cast a no vote.
Proposition 200
“Payday Loan Reform Act”- The licensing program currently in place expires in 2010; Prop 200 would allow services indefinitely because it repeals the termination date. It would expand the scope of services and make some changes to regulation of payday loan companies.
For – It creates penalties for unregulated offshore Internet lenders. It requires a no-cost repayment plan for those that can’t meet deadlines, a reduction in fees and reduces the cycle of debt by making rollovers illegal. It preserves jobs for people that work in the industry. People need credit options in a bad economy, not everyone can afford overdraft protection and it is more affordable than bouncing a check.
Against – Payday loans operate at a 400 percent annual interest rate even though current law mandates other lenders cap interest rates at 36 percent. Payday loans are a perpetual debt trap and the industry has invested $2.5 million to get the prop passed. The fee reductions are minimal and there is no real reform, elimination is better. Real reform would cap their interest rates at 36 percent.
Proposition 201
“Homeowner Bill of Rights”- Creates a mandatory 10-year warranty for homes that are transferrable. All disputes must go into litigation and can’t be settled with a mediator. Builders/sellers that are sued can’t recoup court costs even if they win. Sellers are required to hire licensed contractors that have no complaints filed for the past 10 years and must provide three options.
For – The prop holds builders accountable for shoddy construction. It could lead to a unionized construction industry. It protects buyers from the “bait and switch” by requiring differentiation between standard and custom features by the builder.
Against – Litigation only requirements prevent people from working together to settle disputes and lengthen the time it takes to get repairs done. The prop forbids sellers from recouping court costs even if the suit is thrown out which raises housing costs.
Proposition 202
“Stop Illegal Hiring Act”- Creates a two-strike penalty law with probationary periods and suspension of licenses for offenses. Requires actual knowledge of illegal status by the owner or an officer of the employer. Relies solely on procedures in federal law to verify status. Anyone can file a complaint but if it is found false, they would be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.
For – It strengthens ID theft status. It establishes a two-strike penalty while protecting employers who act responsibly by making complainants identify themselves. Fines would go where illegal immigration costs the state the most money, like schools and hospitals.
Against – Punishments include fines and loss of business licenses but the prop changes the definition of licenses so many businesses would be exempt. Arizona already has effective sanctions that have been held up in court, while this prop imposes fines that are in violation of federal law. Current law uses E-Verify, which is federal and 99.7 percent accurate, while this prop would not. It would increase the burden of proof and gut current laws and sanctions. People would be punished reporting their employers.
Proposition 300
“State Legislatures Salary”- Would increase the salary of elected officials from $24,000 to $30,000.
For – It would make running for office more viable to a greater number of people. They need to be paid enough so they won’t depend on special interest groups and being in office is a full-time job.
Against – Being elected is a civic-minded contribution, not a career.
