Proposition Primer 

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• HOPE Coalition
• Ballot Recommendation Summary. See also http://www.sos.ca.gov

Sample ballots are going out and the advertising twist ‘n' spin is on! Watch out for some of those ads -- big money knows how to tell big lies, and there is some big, big money being spent this year on some of the 11 statewide ballot measures. You can find plenty of information, including details on campaign donors, on the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ca.gov.

Meanwhile, we're reprinting this HOPE Coalition summary of the stands being taken by different groups and political parties. You can also find our recent coverage of Props. 30, 37 and 38 on our website.

Prop. 30: Raises taxes temporarily to fund schools and some state programs.

Prop: 31: Changes state budget cycle; shifts some sales tax money from state to counties.

Prop. 32: Sharply limits unions' political contributions.

Prop. 33: Lets insurance companies set rates partly on whether a driver has had insurance before.

Prop. 34: Abolishes the death penalty.

Prop. 35: Toughens penalties for human trafficking.

Prop. 36: Eases "three-strikes" law to save $70 million-plus annually.

Prop. 37: Requires labels for some foods with genetically modified ingredients.

Prop. 38: A different temporary tax plan to fund schools.

Prop. 39: Tightens tax rules for multi-state businesses, raising roughly $1 billion annually.

Prop. 40: Keeps new state Senate districts.