Daily Archive
Stories Posted on May 28, 2008
Obscure Public Agency Funding Campaigns
Category: Eminent Domain · State: California · Source: California Republic
Most informed voters are aware that there are only two measures on the statewide ballot next week. Prop 98 is supported by the California Farm Bureau Federation, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, National Federation of Independent Business, the California Association of Realtors and a host of other interests seeking to preserve and defend property rights in California. The other measure, Prop 99, was put on the ballot through funding almost exclusively through associations of government entities -- the lion's share from the League of California Cities. The irony in this initiative battle is that the government interests have repeatedly accused the property rights interests of having a "hidden agenda" simply by including a phase out of rent regulations along with eminent domain reform. Rather than hidden, the provisions dealing with price controls on property are prominent and appear near the very beginning of the measure. Indeed, references to these provisions are replete through the ballot pamphlet.
Minnesota Outdoors, Arts Groups Start Campaign
Category: Taxes · State: Minnesota · Source: Grand Forks Herald
Minnesotans worried about the future of the state’s natural resources and its cultural institutions will pay more to protect them, predicted advocates of a constitutional amendment directing new tax revenue to those areas. Appearing at a picturesque lakeside park southwest of Minneapolis, the Vote Yes Minnesota coalition Tuesday kicked off its five-month campaign to build support for an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution raising the state sales tax to pay for outdoors initiatives and arts programs.