California Propositions 6, 7, 8 and 10 Drawing Interest

The next president of the United States is not the only important race on the ballot before voters today. In California, voters will have a lot on their minds to consider, as they enter the voting booths. With all of the important issues facing citizens, it may take quite some time behind the curtain, to cast their votes and register their opinions, to be counted among the tallies.

The number one controversy is proposition eight. If passed, this bill will reverse the current gay marriage laws in California. This proposal, for a constitutional amendment defines marriage as a "union between a man and a woman."

Proponents say "defeat of the measure would lead to classes in schoolrooms, to teach students about gay family lifestyles," according to the Los Angeles Times. The bill has gained surprisingly strong support among youthful voters. Parents of young children, concerned about changes in the teaching curriculum if proposition eight fails, are turning out in full force.

Other controversial measures, up for a yea or nay vote today, include two energy initiative bills. Propositions seven, and ten, aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, by requiring faster development of renewable power, and offering a boost for the market in vehicles fueled by natural gas. "Both proposals have big-money backers, and face opposition by environmentalists, who view the initiatives as flawed," according to CNN. Proposition seven is designed to accelerate California's renewable power mandate. If passed this bill will require all utility companies to increase their use of renewable power by 2% a year, to reach 40% of their total power sales by 2020, and 50% by 2025. Some opponents fear this will cause a disruption in the energy sector

Other bills, with less controversy attached include propositions six, a measure promoting a safe neighborhoods act, and three, aimed at securing funding for childrens medical care facilities. Another proposition expected to be well received, is proposition twelve. This is a bill to benefit veterans. A $900-million bond, to continue operation of the California Veteran home loan program. This spending measure would pay for itself. Cal-Vet is not a new program, it has been in operation for eighty seven years. "More than 420,000 veterans have bought homes and farms, through the program. They've paid off the bonds and covered the state's administrative costs through their mortgages," according to the Los Angeles Times.

Another bill with surprisingly little opposition is proposition five. This bill is intended to reduce prison overcrowding. Details regarding how this will be accomplished include diverting many prisoners into drug rehabilitation facilities.

There is no doubt there is a lot on the table today, as America proceeds with the grand finale, of the 2008 elections. Tomorrow will truly be a day beginning with many changes.