For most farmers and ranchers, CFBF President Paul Wenger said, the clear priority in November will be passage of the water bond, Proposition 1.
“The widespread water shortages we’ve seen this year underscore the need to invest in the California water system, and Proposition 1 marks the most significant statewide investment in more than 30 years,” Wenger said. “Its passage will help ease the pain of future droughts and add long-term benefits to both water supply and quality.”
Farm Bureau also recommends a “yes” vote on Proposition 2, which aims to stabilize boom-and-bust budget cycles through establishment of the “rainy day fund” and by paying down state debt.
“Farmers and ranchers know all too well how incomes can fluctuate from year to year, given the unpredictability of markets and weather,” Wenger said. “State revenues can vary greatly, too. Just as farmers have to budget prudently to keep our farms in business, it makes sense for the state to take the reasonable steps outlined in Proposition 2.”
The Farm Bureau board recommended that voters reject the other four measures on the ballot.
Proposition 45 would allow a government official, rather than the market, to set rates for health insurance. Proposition 46 would reduce access to health care and increase costs, by quadrupling the cap on medical malpractice damages. Proposition 48 would allow an Indian casino to be built on non-tribal land. And Wenger said Proposition 47 would reduce many crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, including for a number of crimes committed in rural areas.
“Talk to almost any farmer or rancher, and you’ll hear stories about theft of crops, livestock, copper wire—you name it, people steal it,” Wenger said. “Proposition 47 sends the wrong message to would-be thieves when we should be providing law enforcement with more resources to catch and prosecute people who prey on rural residents.”
Here is the full list of CFBF ballot recommendations:
| Proposition 1 – Water Bond | YES |
| Proposition 2 – Budget Stabilization Account | YES |
| Proposition 45 – Health Insurance Rate Changes | NO |
| Proposition 46 – Medical Malpractice Damages Cap Increase | NO |
| Proposition 47 – Criminal Sentences and Misdemeanor Penalties | NO |
| Proposition 48 – Indian Gaming Compacts | NO |
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 78,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.
Reprinted with permission: California Farm Bureau Federation.
