El Cerrito Democratic Club

At the July meeting, members will be voting to endorse the following State-wide ballot measures on the November ballot.

 Proposition 43–Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act

 The measure, upon voter approval, would enact the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act, thus authorizing the issuance of bonds in the amount of $11,140,000,000 for the purpose of financing a drinking water and water supply reliability program

 Proposition 44-State Reserve Policy  

The measure, upon voter approval, would alter the state’s existing requirements for the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA), as established by Proposition 58. The BSA is a rainy day fund. Prop 44 would also establish a Public School System Stabilization Account

Proposition 45-Approval of Healthcare Insurance Rates 

If approved by voters, the initiative would:

• Require that health insurance rate changes must be approved by the Insurance Commissioner before taking effect.
• Require a sworn statement by health insurance companies submitting rate change requests certifying the accuracy of the information they submit to the Insurance Commissioner to justify the rate change they are proposing.
• Provide for public notice, disclosure and hearing on health insurance rate changes, and subsequent judicial review.
• Prohibit health, auto and homeowners insurers from determining policy eligibility or rates based on lack of prior coverage or credit history.
• Exempt employer large group health plans under any circumstances

Proposition 46-Drug and Alcohol Testing of Doctors. Medical Negligence Lawsuits

If approved by voters, the initiative would:

• Increase the state’s cap on damages that can be assessed in medical negligence lawsuits to over $1 million from the current cap of $250,000.
• Require drug and alcohol testing of doctors and reporting of positive tests to the California Medical Board.
• Require the California Medical Board to suspend doctors pending investigation of positive tests and take disciplinary action if the doctor was found impaired while on duty.
• Require health care practitioners to report any doctor suspected of drug or alcohol impairment or medical negligence.
• Require health care practitioners to consult state prescription drug history database before prescribing certain controlled substances.

Proposition 47-Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor Penalties. The initiative, if it is approved by voters, would reduce the penalty for most nonviolent crimes from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Proposition 48-Referendum to Overturn Indian Gaming Compacts

The initiative, if it is approved by voters, ratifies two gaming compacts (with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, and the Wiyot Tribe); and it exempts execution of the compacts, certain projects, and intergovernmental agreements from the California Environmental Quality Act.

For more information on all the ballot initiatives, visit ballotpedia.org or http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures.

 

• El Cerrito City Council Meeting, Tuesday, July 15, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers, 10940 San Pablo Ave
• El Cerrito Planning Commission San Pablo Ave Specific Plan Workshop, Wednesday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. El Cerrito Council Chambers, 10940 San Pablo Ave
• Contra Costa County Central Committee Meeting  Thursday, July 17 7:30 p.m. Martinez Senior Center, 818 Green St, Martinez
• City of El Cerrito Housing Element Community Workshop, Saturday, July 19, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito
• Democratic Women in Action Quarterly Lunch, Saturday, July 19, Noon, Fuso Italian Restaurant, Vacaville
• ECDC Meeting, Tuesday, July 22, 6:00 p.m. Zion Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave, El Cerrito
• El Cerrito Relay for Life, Saturday, July 26 10:00 a.m., Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave, El Cerrito
• Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Birthday Celebration Saturday, July 26, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Rockwall Winery, 2301 Monarch St #300, Alameda  For more information, call 415-692-3556 
• ECDC General Election Endorsement Meeting, Tuesday, August 26, 6:00 p.m. Zion Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave, El Cerrito
• Men of Emerge California, Wednesday, September 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Roe Night Club, 651 Howard St, San Francisco