Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 21 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 21 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)
Proposition 21 would put an $18 surcharge on vehicles registered after January 1, 2011, with all money raised used exclusively for state park and wildlife programs. The state’s Legislative Analyst estimates the program would provide a net increase of $250 million every year which would be used for operations, maintenance and development of California state parks, management and operation of Department of Fish and Game Lands, and other wildlife conservation activities. The proposition specifically states that money raised from this surcharge cannot be used for any other purpose. The measure goes further to set up a dedicated trust fund and establishes a citizens oversight committee to ensure funds are only used for state parks and wildlife conservation. In exchange for this $18 surcharge, the measure says that all vehicles subject to the charge would have free vehicle admission, parking, and day use at all California state parks (which currently charge $5-$15 per vehicle, per day.)
Supporters of Proposition 21 say California’s state parks are suffering from extreme neglect due to “erratic, severe and damaging funding cuts made at the whim of Sacramento politicians.” As evidence they point to closed parks, dirty and unsafe bathrooms, contaminated drinking water, eroding trails and a report by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which named California state parks among the 11 most endangered places in America. Supporters warn that without a protected funding source, California’s state parks will face more cuts, more closures and more decay, despite the role they play in supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in business and tax revenues for nearby communities.
Supporters of Proposition 21 include The California Nurses Association, the California League of Conservation Voters, the California Federation of Teachers, California Action for Healthy Kids, and Audubon California.
Opponents of Proposition 21 describe it as nothing but a cleverly packaged attempt to bring back the “car tax” and another bad example of “ballot box budgeting.” Opponents question whether now is the time to pay more for parks while schools, universities and road construction throughout the state are ignored. Opponents also say the free admission to the parks is deceptive, as the measure still allows for new additional fees inside the park, and that Proposition 21 could eventually make it more expensive than ever to enter a state park. Finally, opponents say Proposition 21 is a sneaky attempt to raise $1 billion in tax revenues every two years, with no guarantees that state parks will be repaired or kept open.
Opponents of Proposition 21 include The California Taxpayers Association, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and Americans for Prosperity.
More info:
Yes on Proposition 21: www.yesforstateparks.com
No on Proposition 21: No website information currently available.
This is Citizen Voice’s easy-to-use summary of the proposition. For the ballot pamphlet version go to www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
Subscribe in a reader.
