Word for Word

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the Sept. 5 Field Poll and the Sept. 9
McLaughlin poll, and the official ballot title and summary for Propositions
76 and 77

McLaughlin: Would you support a measure that will control state spending to
end state deficits and balance the state budget without raising taxes?

Field: Prop. 76 is the State Spending and School Funding Limits initiative.
It limits state spending to prior year’s levels plus the average revenue
growth of the three previous years. It also changes the minimum school
funding requirements under Proposition 98 and permits the governor, under
specified circumstances, to reduce budget appropriations of the governor’s
choosing. Fiscal Impact: State spending would likely be reduced, due to the
additional spending limit and the governor’s new powers. Reductions could
apply to schools and shift costs to other local governments. If the election
were being held today, would you vote yes or no on Prop. 76?

Title and Summary: State Spending and School Funding Limits. Initiative
Constitutional Amdendment.
Limits state pending to prior year’s level plus three previous years’
average revenue growth; Changes state minimum school funding requirements
(Prop. 98); eliminates repayment requirement when minimum funding is
suspended; Excludes appropriations above the minimum from schools’ funding
base; Directs excess General Fund revenues, currently directed to
schools/tax relief, to budget reserve, specified construction, debt
repayment; Permits governor, under specified circumstances, to reduce
appropriations of governor’s choosing, including employee compensation/state
contracts; continues prior year appropriations if budget is delayed;
prohibits state special funds borrowing; requires payment of local
government mandates.

McLaughlin: Would you support a measure that will allow independent judges
to draw election districts instead of the politicians and allow voters to
approve or reject those districts?

Field: Prop. 77 is the Redistrcting Initiative. It amends the state
constitution’s process for redistricting California’s Senate, Assembly,
Congressional and Board of Equalization districts. It requires a
three-member panel of retired judges, selected by legislative leaders. If
the election were being held today, would you vote Yes or No on Prop. 77?

Title and Summary: Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Amends process for redistricting California’s Senate, Assembly,
Congressional and Board of Equalization Districts; Requires panel of three
retired judges, selected by legislative leaders, to adopt new redistricting
plan if measure passes and after each national census; Panel must consider
legislative, public comments/hold public hearings; Redistricting plan
effective when adopted by panel and filed with Secretary of State; governs
next statewide primary/general elections even if voters reject plan; If
voters reject redistricting plan, process repeats, but officials elected
under rejected plan serve full terms; Allows 45 days to seek judicial review
of adopted redistricting plan
*Sources: Field Poll, Sept. 5, 2005. McLaughlin & Associates poll, Sept. 9,
2005. Official California Special Election sample ballot.

Proposition 76

McLaughlin
Yes 66
No 22
Undecided 12

Field
Yes 19
No 65
Undecided 16

Proposition 77
McLaughlin
Yes 61
No 20
Undecided 19

Field
Yes 32
No 46
Undecided 22