July 28
The measure would have the following major fiscal effects: ·Increased personal income taxes on high-income earners beginning in 2007, with revenues reaching approximately $2.4 billion annually in 2010-11. ·Revenues would support an entitlement to one year of preschool for four-year-olds beginning in 2010-11. Revenues in the early years of the program could be used for facilities, teacher training, student financial aid, and early implementation of preschool services.
July 20
The state levies a personal income tax (PIT) on the income of individuals and noncorporate businesses, such as sole proprietors and partnerships, doing business in California. The rates of the tax range from 1 percent to 9.3 percent, depending upon the taxpayer’s income level (with an extra 1 percent levied on taxpayers’ incomes greater than $1 million). The state also levies a corporation tax (CT) on the net earnings of corporations operating within California at the rate of 8.84 percent. Both the PIT and CT allow various deductions from income and credits against any tax owed. The state also levies an estate tax payable upon death, equal to the amount of the available state tax credit allowed under the federal estate tax (this credit is currently zero). Finally, residential and commercial property is subject to a general-purpose local ad valorem property tax rate of up to 1 percent annually.
July 15
This measure restricts corporations with stockholders from making political contributions (for candidates, ballot measures, issue advocacy, and other political activities) unless the stockholders authorize the contributions.
June 29
The measure requires the state to provide a grant of $1,000 to the parent or guardian of each student who scores at a proficient level (or higher) on all standards-aligned STAR program tests each year. The measure requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to determine the score needed to establish the proficient level of performance on the STAR tests.
July 11
This measure amends the State Constitution to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman. In addition, the measure prohibits the Legislature, courts, and state and local government agencies from granting the rights of marriage to any unmarried persons. The measure also prohibits government agencies from requiring private entities to extend the rights of marriage to unmarried persons.