Amendment To Change State Budget Process Qualifies for Nov. Ballot
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Debra Bowen (D) certified for the November ballot a constitutional amendment that would alter California's budget process, the Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" reports.
Supporters of the amendment turned in more than 1.2 million voter signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot.
Details of Amendment
The amendment would:
- Implement a two-year, performance-based budgeting process for the state;
- Allow the governor to make cuts without approval from lawmakers during a fiscal emergency;
- Enact legislative transparency measures; and
- Allow local governments to alter or opt out of certain laws and regulations.
Support, Opposition for Amendment
The amendment is supported by the California Forward Issue Action Fund.
 It also has received a major contribution from billionaire investor Nicolas Berggruen.
A coalition of labor and environmental groups oppose the amendment (Van Oot, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 6/26).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.