Currently, California lawmakers can serve a total of fourteen years: six in the Assembly, and eight in the Senate. Nick Schroeder from the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office says Prop 28 would allow a legislator to serve up to twelve years.
"Fundamentally, what this measure does is it allows a person to serve more years in one house, either in the Assembly or Senate but fewer total years in the legislature."
Supporters say lawmakers would gain more experience if given
the option to serve all their time in one house. They say
that, in turn, would reduce the power of lobbyists who have spent
more time in the Capitol. Phillip Ung with Common Cause says if
Prop 28 is approved lawmakers wouldn't have to immediately start
thinking of their next political move.
"What this will allow them to do is really focus on
governing for about a decade- or twelve years-and not have to worry
about anything past that."
But opponents call the measure a sham. Conservative blogger
Jon Fleischman is with a group called Californians for Term Limits.
He says by extending the time a person can spend in each house-Prop
28 benefits politicians-not constituents.
"As a practical matter, once somebody gets elected, they
will serve for twelve years, because they've got all the insider
support to make sure they keep their office. And so a vote for this
measure, would actually reduce voter choice going forward and voter
input going forward."
Fleishman also says the word "reduce" in the official title
and summary is misleading.
Supporters include the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
, as well as some prominent business owners and developers.
Opponents include the group U-S Term Limits and the California
Republican Party.
