California requires a two-thirds vote to pass the state budget. It’s one of only a handful of states that demand more than a simple majority. Critics say that’s led to drawn out negotiations and habitually late budget deals.
The proposed initiative would require the state budget to be passed with a simple majority. Although it would keep the two-thirds rule for any tax increases.
Andrew Acosta is with Yes on the Majority Vote Budget Initiative:
“So, no taxes could be raised unless you had two-thirds, still requiring that super-majority. And if the budget is late after June 15th which it’s normally been because of the dysfunction in Sacramento, the Legislature, the politicians would lose pay and per diem.”
But Republicans say the initiative would give the majority party – Democrats – too much power. They say switching to a simple majority vote would weaken their influence.
Counties will now start verifying the signatures collected to put the measure on the ballot. The Secretary of State must also certify the measure.