TechEquity Voter Guide Election 2018

Transcription

1 TechEquity Voter Guide Election 2018 California Statewide Ballot Measures East Bay Regional Measure San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland City Measures

2 At-a-Glance Guide to Voting Statewide Measures Yes Prop 1 Affordable Housing Bond Yes Prop 2 Homeless Housing Bond Prop 3 Water Bond Prop 4 Children s Hospital Bond Prop 5 Prop 13 Expansion for Seniors Prop 6 Gas Tax Repeal Prop 7 Daylight Saving Time Prop 8 Dialysis Regulation and Price Control Neutral Prop 10 Costa-Hawkins Act Repeal Prop 11 Ambulance Worker Rest Break Exmpt Prop 12 Farm Animal Welfare San Francisco Measures Measure A Measure B Measure C Measure D Seawall and Other Critical Infrastructure Measure E Hotel Tax for Arts Privacy First Policy Yes Business Tax for Homelessness Services Tax on Cannabis Businesses Oakland Measures Berkeley Measures Measure V Measure W Measure O Measure P Cannabis Tax Yes Vacancy Tax Yes Housing Bond Yes Real Estate Transfer Tax Increase Yes Measure X Real Estate Transfer Tax Increase Yes Measure Y Eliminating Just Cause Exemption for 2&3 Units Measure Q Amendment to Rent Control Ordinance Measure R Vision 2050 Advisory Measure Yes Measure Z Minimum Wage for Hotel Workers Measure AA Oakland Promise for Early Childhood Ed Alameda Regional Measure FF East Bay Parks Tax Extension -2-

3 Table of Contents Voter Guide At-a-Glance 2 TechEquity Voter Guide Overview 5 California Statewide Measures 6 Prop 1 - Affordable Housing Bond 6 Prop 2 - Homeless Housing Bond 6 Prop 3 - Water Bond 7 Prop 4 - Children s Hospital Bond 7 Prop 5 - Prop 13 Expansion for Seniors 8 Prop 6 - Gas Tax Repeal 8 Prop 7 - Daylight Saving Time 9 Prop 8 - Dialysis Regulation and Price Control 9 Prop 10 - Costa-Hawkins Act Repeal 10 Prop 11 - Ambulance Worker Rest Break Exemption 10 Prop 12 - Farm Animal Welfare 11 San Francisco Measures 12 Measure A - Seawall and Other Critical Infrastructure 12 Measure B - Privacy First Policy 12 Measure C - Additional Business Taxes to Fund 13 Housing and Homelessness Measure D - Additional Tax on Cannabis Businesses; 13 Expanding the Businesses Subject to Business Taxes Measure E - Partial Allocation of Hotel Tax for Arts 14 and Cultural Purposes -3-

4 Table of Contents (cont.) Berkeley Measures 15 Measure O - General Obligation Bond for Affordable Housing 15 Measure P - Real Property Transfer Tax 15 Measure Q - Amendments to the Rent Stabilization 16 and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance Measure R - Advisory Measure - Vision Oakland Measures 17 Measure V - Cannabis Business Tax Amendments 17 Measure W - Vacant Property Tax 17 Measure X - Real Property Transfer Tax Increase 18 Measure Y - Eviction Limitations Amendments 18 Measure Z - Hotel Employee Minimum Wage 19 Measure AA - Education Parcel Tax Charter Amendment 19 Alameda County Measures 20 Regional Measure FF - East Bay Parks Tax Extension 20-4-

5 Voter Guide Overview The TechEquity Collaborative is a non-profit organization that believes the tech-driven economy can and should work for everyone in the Bay Area. We activate tech workers on policy issues that will achieve more inclusive economic growth, specifically within the areas of housing and workforce & labor. In California, much of this policy change happens on the ballot, and many of the ballot initiatives especially the local ones can be hard to understand. Our team has evaluated each of the state level, regional, and city measures in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley to provide clarity on what the measures do and, where they intersect with TechEquity s advocacy platforms, make recommendations on how our community should vote. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization we do not make recommendations or endorsements regarding candidates. Want info on some of the candidates running for office? Check out KQED s elections page or this guide from our friends at By the Bay. Measures that require a supermajority (two-thirds) to pass are denoted with an asterisk (*). -5-

6 California Statewide Measures Prop 1 - Affordable Housing Bond What it does in one sentence : Authorizes the sale of $4 billion in bonds to finance existing housing programs, infrastructure work, and grants to match a local housing trust fund dollar-to-dollar. More than half of California renters are rent-burdened (spend more than 30% of their income on rent). We currently spend less than $1b/year in state funds for affordable housing development when the need is much greater than that. This lack of funding is driving high housing costs; this bond measure provides much-needed capital for developers of affordable housing. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: This is an easy one for us. Developing new streams for affordable housing development is one of our top priorities. Until we can develop other sustainable revenue streams through the budget process (we re working on it), we must rely on bond measures. This one-time money isn t the ideal solution, but it will flush capital into the system immediately to help solve the crisis. We need much more revenue to address the housing shortage in our state. Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. Prop 2 - Homeless Housing Bond What it does in one sentence: Allows the state to use $2 billion in bonds for mental health services and housing for those that are chronically homeless. In 2004 voters passed Proposition 63, taxing the wealthiest Californians to fund mental health programs in the state. This year, the California legislature sought to appropriate $2 billion from that fund for homeless housing that provides on-site mental health care. The state was sued to block this use of funds for this purpose, alleging this application of Prop 63 funds is too far from the original intent of the measure. Given the lawsuit, the legislature voted to put Prop 2 on the ballot, which would have voters approve the funds for homeless housing and resolves the suit. With Prop 2 s passage, Prop 63 funds can be used to implement a Housing First model, allowing the construction and maintenance of permanent supportive housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness and with acute mental healthcare needs. -6-

7 : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: A Housing First model of care has proven to be one of the more effective ways to support those that are experiencing homelessness. We believe the funds raised through Prop 63 will be put to best use under Prop 2. Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. Prop 3 - Water Bond What it does in one sentence: Allows the state to authorize $8.87 billion in bonds for water infrastructure projects, specifically safe drinking water, watershed improvement, and habitat restoration. The measure allocates $2.35 billion for state parks and conservancies to make watershed improvements. The measure also requires that $1.4 billion be spent on projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, defined by the state as areas with a median income of $63,000/year or less. The measure uses money from the general fund to pay off the bonds over a 40 year period. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. Prop 4 - Children s Hospital Bond What it does in one sentence : Approves $1.5 billion in bonds to build, expand, renovate, and equip qualifying children s hospitals. The majority of funds from this bond would go to private nonprofit hospitals that provide services to children who qualify for government programs like MediCal. Nearly two thirds of the patients served in our state s children s hospitals are MediCal recipients. The rest of the funds would be allocated to the University of California s acute care children s clinics, and public and private nonprofit hospitals that serve qualified children. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. -7-

8 Prop 5 - Prop 13 Expansion for Seniors What it does in one sentence : Allows seniors over 55 to sell their home and transfer their previous property tax rate to their new property. Placed on the ballot and funded by the California Realtors Association, this measure allows older homeowners to sell their homes but retain their lower property taxes through Prop 13 ( learn more about our efforts to reform Prop 13 here ). Schools and other local services stand to lose an additional $1 billion in funding should the measure pass, putting further stress on already underfunded vital programs. : NO Why TechEquity Members Should Vote Against It: This measure would give a sweetheart tax deal to wealthy homeowners who don t need it, and does nothing to alleviate the housing crisis. Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. Prop 6 - Gas Tax Repeal What it does in one sentence : In 2017 the California Legislature passed a tax increase on gasoline to fund road improvements, public transportation and highways. Prop 6 would repeal the gas tax hike and also require the legislature put future fuel tax or fee increases on the ballot. California s roads and bridges are in disrepair. It s been 23 years since California last increased its gas tax, which is our primary source of funding for these types of infrastructure projects. SB 1, the act of the California legislature that increased the gas tax by an additional 13 cents/gallon had overwhelming bipartisan support. Prop 6 seeks to undo SB 1, allowing our roads and bridges to further deteriorate. : NO Why TechEquity Members Should Vote Against It: We need strong infrastructure to enable accessible commutes and a higher quality of life for the people working here. Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. -8-

9 Prop 7 - Daylight Saving Time What it does in one sentence : Repeals an earlier measure from 1949 enacting Daylight Saving Time. By repealing the previous measure, the California legislature would be given the power to vote make changes to Daylight Saving Time. California s constitution requires that measures passed by an act of the voters not be amended or repealed by the legislature. In essence, when something is passed through the ballot measure process, it s set in stone unless another measure goes before the public to amend or repeal it. That s exactly what s happening here. When Daylight Saving Time was initially enacted, it was done so by a vote of the public. If Prop 7 were to pass voters would give power to the state legislature to change, end, or make permanent Daylight Saving Time without needing to go to the voters again for approval. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. Prop 8 - Dialysis Regulation and Price Control What it does in one sentence : Puts a cap on how much outpatient kidney dialysis clinics may charge patients, and would impose penalties for excessive bills. Dialysis treatment in California is provided through two major private companies. With very little regulation or price control on dialysis services, the state (who pays for dialysis for low-income patients through MediCal) is paying an inflated price tag for these services with no recourse. Because of a near-monopoly between the two major providers, insurers and patients have little leverage in trying to bring down the cost of service. Prop 8 would require dialysis companies charge no more than 115% of the cost of service. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. -9-

10 Prop 10 - Costa-Hawkins Act Repeal What it does in one sentence : Repeals an act of the legislature that limits cities ability to enact certain kinds of rent control. The Costa-Hawkins Act, passed in 1995 prevents local government from enacting rent control for new properties (built after 1995) and for single family homes. Some experts have expressed concern that repealing Costa-Hawkins would create uncertainty in the housing market and depress development. Advocates believe that we need to give control back to local authorities to decide what kinds of rent control are best for their communities. : NEUTRAL. After careful consideration, TechEquity has decided to remain neutral on this measure. For a more detailed explanation please read our blog post. Prop 11 - Ambulance Worker Rest Break Exemption What it does in one sentence : Requires ambulance workers to be on-call during meal and rest breaks and be paid at their regular rate during these breaks. Across industries, labor laws require that employers give most kinds of employees rest breaks. Ambulance companies attempted to skirt this law by reserving the right to interrupt breaks for paramedics and EMTs to respond to emergency calls. If an EMT or paramedic had their break cut short, they would go back on the clock with regular pay at that time and would be given a replacement break later to make up for the interruption. In 2016, the California Supreme Court ruled that this practice did not follow California labor laws. A break should be uninterrupted. Ambulance companies were displeased with the verdict as it would require them to hire more staff to allow other workers to be relieved for break. In response, they placed this measure on the ballot which would allow them to go back to their old practice of interrupting breaks. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. -10-

11 Prop 12 - Farm Animal Welfare What it does in one sentence : Builds upon a 2008 measure which banned the sale of certain animal products if the animals were confined in spaces that left them unable to turn around, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Prop 12 creates more humane conditions for chickens, pigs, and veal calves. It requires that eggs sold in the state come from cage-free chickens, meaning hens are able to roam freely in open grassy fields rather than enclosed hen houses. Pork sows are required to have at least 24 square feet of space and veal calves are to be allocated 43 square feet of space. The previous measure in 2008 to improve farm animal welfare proved difficult to enforce as it did not set specific and standard space requirements as this measure does. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Check out our blog post for a more detailed explanation of this measure. -11-

12 San Francisco Measures Measure A - Seawall and Other Critical Infrastructure* What it does in one sentence : Authorizes $425 million in bonds for critical infrastructure, including repair and seismic improvement of the Embarcadero Sea Wall. The Embarcadero Sea Wall runs three miles from Fisherman s Wharf to Mission Creek and helps prevent the city s northeast end from surging seas. The Sea Wall is over 100 years old and deteriorating from years of being battered by waves. The Sea Wall protects the Embarcadero and Downtown (which is below sea level) from flooding. An analysis from the Board of Supervisors has found that the cost of repair and improvement to the Sea Wall is greater than what is generated through the city s existing revenue streams and will need a supplemental funding source, which is why the Board of Supervisors placed this bond measure on the ballot. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Measure B - Privacy First Policy What it does in one sentence : San Francisco does not yet have a uniform policy that lays out guidelines for the evaluation of regulations, policies, and procedures that may affect the handling, collection, storage, and sharing of resident s personal data. This non-binding, advisory measure sets forth guidelines and best practices in adopting policy that involves the collection, storage, and sharing of personal data. The measure advises lawmakers to consult the guidelines outlined within when crafting policy that could disclose personal data, and recognizes this is especially important in protecting residents who are undocumented, victims of domestic violence or stalking, and other sensitive populations. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas -12-

13 Measure C - Additional Business Taxes to Fund Housing and Homelessness* What it does in one sentence : Places an additional tax on businesses gross receipts raising an estimated $295 million to support homelessness prevention, shelter expansion, mental health and substance abuse services, and the construction of permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and rental subsidies. The measure raises significant revenue toward tackling a significant problem. If passed, Measure C would almost double the current City budget for homeless prevention, shelters, and services. The tax levied is between percent to 0.69 percent (depending on business type) on gross receipts for businesses with over $50 million in gross annual receipts The measure also allocates spending in a multi-faceted fashion, investing in short term solutions like emergency shelters, interim solutions like transitional housing, and preventative measures to keep people from losing their homes in the first place. This comprehensive spending plan allows us to meet the varied needs of those on the brink of or currently experiencing homelessness. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: San Francisco s homeless population needs more care and more funding. Among residents without permanent, stable housing, 88% live on the street. That s one of the worst rates in the nation (only 5.4% of New York's unhoused population live on the street). Measure D - Additional Tax on Cannabis Businesses; Expanding the Businesses Subject to Business Taxes What it does in one sentence : Adds an additional 1% - 2.5% gross receipts tax for businesses engaging in cannabis cultivation, possession, manufacture, processing, storing, labeling, distribution, or sale but exempting businesses that conduct laboratory testing of cannabis, transportation of cannabis, or businesses selling only accessories or paraphernalia related to the consumption of cannabis, but no products containing THC or CBD. The measure dedicates a portion of the tax revenue toward programs that support smart and equitable growth of the industry. This includes the Cannabis Equity -13-

14 Program, aimed at helping those negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis primarily people of color become the beneficiaries of the newly legal industry. The measure refines current law by creating different tax structures for retail cannabis sales and non-retail, cannabis-related industries like the cultivation, testing, packaging, and transportation of cannabis products. Written within the measure is the ability for the tax to be amended by ordinance at the Board of Supervisors, providing legislative flexibility for a fledgling industry. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Measure E - Partial Allocation of Hotel Tax for Arts and Cultural Purposes* What it does in one sentence : The city collects a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on hotel stays and short-term rentals like Airbnb that goes into the general fund. If passed, the measure would set aside 1.5% of the TOT to support cultural centers, arts nonprofits, and housing & community development for cultural districts. San Francisco s existing TOT raises about $370 million each year that goes into the city s general fund. Should Measure E pass, a portion of TOT revenue would be set aside specifically for supporting the arts. This would create a dedicated funding stream for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, city-owned cultural centers and city-run arts programs, and for the development and support of city designated cultural districts. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas -14-

15 Berkeley Measures Measure O - General Obligation Bond for Affordable Housing* What it does in one sentence : Authorizes the issuance of $135 mil in bonds to create new affordable housing for low-income residents and the preservation of existing affordable housing. The measure would allow the city of Berkeley to purchase existing housing units and convert them to permanently affordable units or develop new affordable housing. It includes an annual independent financial audit to ensure the funds are being used for their expressed purpose. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: Given how expensive it is to erect new housing in the Bay Area, developers have produced mostly moderate-to-high income housing, with little being produced to meet the needs of our lowest income residents. Through these bonds the city can add new units for low income residents. Measure P - Real Property Transfer Tax What it does in one sentence : Increases the real property transfer tax for 10 years to raise $6 to 8 million annually for general municipal funds. Similar to Oakland s Measure X, The measure increases real property transfer taxes from 1.5% to 2.5%, only for home sales over $1.5 million. The measure would adjust the sale price threshold every year to capture the top third of sales. The tax increase is estimated to raise $6 to $8 million each year. It establishes a Homeless Services Panel of Experts to make recommendations on the expenditure of funds raised for navigation centers, mental health support, and rehousing services. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: The causes of our region s homelessness crisis can be linked, in part, to the rising cost of homes. This tax targets the more expensive home sales as a source of revenue for homeless services, linking the problem and solution. -15-

16 Measure Q - Amendments to the Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance What it does in one sentence : Amends Berkeley s Rent Stabilization Ordinance to account for potential repeal of Costa-Hawkins. The measure preserves existing vacancy rent adjustments, updates the new construction exemption from rent stabilization to a 20-year rolling period, and exempts all lawfully permitted Accessory Dwelling Units from rent stabilization and eviction for good cause protections. Without an update to their rent control ordinance, Berkeley would automatically revert to what was on the books prior to the Costa-Hawkins Act passage. In this case, that would mean every unit in the city, including single family homes and new homes, even ones built this year would be covered under the old rent control ordinance. : NO Why TechEquity Members Should Vote Against It: We re wary of the ways cities might decide to enact new rent control or expand their existing rent control policies and Berkeley s measure is a perfect example of that. The measure is smart to enact a 20 year rolling inclusion, which is in line with recommendations made in a brief we released with the Terner Center earlier this year. However, the measure reinstates vacancy controls which prevent landlords from raising the rent to market rate when a unit turns over. This vacancy control could encourage landlords to take their units of the market through Ellis Act evictions and condo conversions, and disincentivize them from investing in improvements and repairs. Measure R - Advisory Measure - Vision 2050 What it does in one sentence : Advisory measure compelling the Mayor to develop a Vision 2050 plan to develop and implement climate-smart efficient infrastructure. The measure advises the Mayor to engage citizens and experts to develop a thirty-year plan to make Berkeley a smart, green city. It advises that the Mayor consider climate change and rising sea levels in developing a plan for efficient infrastructure improvements. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas -16-

17 Oakland Measures Measure V - Cannabis Business Tax Amendments What it does in one sentence : Allows the City Council to amend cannabis business taxes in any manner that does not increase the rate without voter approval and allows cannabis businesses to deduct raw materials from gross receipts and to pay their taxes on a quarterly basis. If Measure V were to pass, the City Council could decrease tax rates on cannabis on their own authority without going to the voters for approval. Many cannabis businesses and advocates argue this flexibility to make amendments is necessary in an emerging market. They also argue that Oakland may need to decrease cannabis business taxes to remain regionally competitive as other neighboring cities have slightly lower rates. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas Measure W - Vacant Property Tax* What it does in one sentence : Levies a vacant property tax of $6,000 on lots used less than 50 days per year raising $10 million annually to be used to address illegal dumping and fund homelessness services. Oakland currently has 4,403 vacant parcels they could be available for better use, especially in a housing shortage. These parcels often become blighted and sites for illegal dumping. Measure W seeks to apply a $6,000 annual parcel tax for vacant residential and undeveloped lots. The funds raised would fund homelessness housing and services, and help enforce illegal dumping laws. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: Thriving cities put their land to its highest and best use. Oakland s underutilized parcels aren t a net neutral for the city, they actively harm the quality of life for its residents. Creating fiscal disincentives for poor utilization of these resources might encourage landowners to make better choices about how their properties are used while raising much-needed funds in the interim. -17-

18 Measure X - Real Property Transfer Tax Increase What it does in one sentence : Enacts a progressive real estate transfer tax, with higher rates on more expensive properties and lower rates for inexpensive properties and first-time homebuyers, to raise $9 million annually. Similar to Berkeley s Measure P, Measure X increases the real estate transfer tax and converts it from a flat tax to a progressive tax. Oakland s most expensive properties sold at $5 million or more would be taxed at 2.5%, an increase of 1%. The measure also carves out a reduced rate for first time homebuyers. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: This tax targets expensive home sales as a sustainable revenue source for funding housing and homeless support services, and makes that tax progressive with more expensive transfers paying more. Measure Y - Eviction Limitations Amendments What it does in one sentence : Amends Oakland s Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance to remove the exemption for owner-occupied duplexes and triplexes and allows the City Council to add additional limitations to a landlord s right to evict. Most Oakland renters are covered by the City s Just Cause for Eviction ordinance, which limits a landlord s ability to arbitrarily evict tenants. The Just Cause law allows landlords to evict only when a tenant meets one of the 11 reasons that constitute a good cause for eviction, such as non-payment of rent or lease violations. However, Oakland duplexes and triplexes where the landlord lives on site were originally exempt from Just Cause. Advocates say that owners of duplexes and triplexes have exploited this loophole by moving into one of the units in order to legally evict tenants in the rest of the property. They also say there is little oversight to ensure that landlords who claim to be reoccupying one of the units actually live there. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: All Oaklanders need housing stability and fair, clear, and standard treatment when facing an eviction. one should be suddenly or arbitrarily displaced from their home. Enacting comprehensive Just Cause brings duplex and triplex residents into the fold, creating a comprehensive policy for all Oakland renters. -18-

19 Measure Z - Hotel Employee Minimum Wage What it does in one sentence : Establishes a minimum wage of $15 per hour (with benefits) or $20 per hour (without benefits) for employees of Oakland hotels with 50 or more guest rooms. Twenty four hotels in Oakland have more than 50 guest rooms, the minimum size necessary to be subject to Measure Z. These hotels employ roughly 1500 workers in the city who, under Measure Z, would have their minimum wage raised from $13.23 an hour to $15/hr. : YES Why TechEquity Members Should Vote for It: Oakland hotel workers deserve a livable wage that allows them to live close to where they work. Measure AA - Education Parcel Tax Charter Amendment* What it does in one sentence : Raises 30 million each year to expand access to and quality of early childhood education. The measure raises $30 million each year through a $198 annual parcel tax before expiring after 30 years. The funds raised are to be used for the Oakland Promise Fund, which establishes a college savings program for every Oakland child and provides supports and pathways to college through counselling for college applications, college readiness programs, and scholarships. Measure AA also funds The Oakland Early Education Fund helps support the education and development of children ages % of a child s brain develops before the age of 5, so investing in early childhood education is key to later success. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas -19-

20 Alameda County Measures Regional Measure FF - East Bay Parks Tax Extension What it does in one sentence : This measure extends by 20 years an existing parcel tax of $12/year that raises $3 million each year for natural lands restoration, wildfire prevention, and water quality protection. The measure will extend revenue that regional parks already get through a current parcel tax that is set to expire. The funds will help support the implementation of the park district s wildfire reduction plan, which has become even more important as the wildfire season has become more severe and extended in length. :. This measure does not have a close nexus to our issue areas We re uniting tech workers to create a more equitable economy. Join us! We believe the tech industry, built on the internet the most democratizing communications platform in human history can and should contribute to broad-based economic growth that benefits everyone. -20-