Initiatives & Propositions
This year we have eight state initiatives and constitutional amendments to vote on. We can summarize pretty simple, vote NO. The official recommendation of the SaddleBrooke Democrats is to vote NO for all initiatives other than Proposition 300 on which we recommend YES. We are ambivalent on Proposition 202.
Here are our official recommendations:
| Proposition | Vote |
| Prop 100 “Protect our Homes” No New Home Tax | NO |
Constitutional amendment to forbid future imposition of any tax on property tax sales or transfers. There is no such tax in Arizona.
Backers: AZ Realtors, Homebuilders, and Anti-tax forces.
This particular initiative is an amendment. This means that unless reversed by citizen vote, it can not likely be changed by future legislative action even if it become obvious that the new law is detrimental to the public.
There is no tax in Arizona on realty transfers nor is one proposed for the future. This amendment would tie the hands of the legislature or government as relates to future potential ways to enhance state or county revenues. If revenue increases were required the legislature would be required to raise income and or property taxes
| Prop 101 Medical Choice for Arizona | NO |
Constitutional amendment to forbid future establishment of government sponsored health care or third-party payer programs.
Backers: Glendale Surgery Center, NJ Investments Groupp
Opponents: Health care reform proponents, AZ Dem Party
This particular initiative is an amendment. (See discussion above Prop 100)
This proposition is backed by a Utah based surgical center and a New Jersey company that operates medical franchises. The initiative would forbid the Arizona legislature from adopting state sponsored medical programs or payer systems to save money or enhance public health systems. Should the federal government establish such reforms, then federal law would presumably prevail. But do we really want to forbid the establishment of medical systems to enhance accessibility to health care for the millions that don’t have it?
| Prop 102 Marriage Arizona Act Re-Definition | NO |
Constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriages which are already illegal in AZ.
Backers: Al Melvin, Anti-gay forces.
Opponents: AZ Democratic Party, ACLU
Democrats and most moderates believe that everyone should be equal before the law. This would deny tax and civil benefits to gay couples.
| Prop 105 No New Tax without 50% Citizen Approval | NO |
Constitutional amendment to require that more than 50% of eligible voters must approve any proposed tax or spending increase, regardless of voter turnout.
Backers: Neo-conservatives, Anti-tax forces, Alcohol distributors.
Opponents: Long list of public officials and advocacy groups, unions
This proposal would require that any tax or spending proposal put forth by the initiative process must be voted “Yes” by more than half of the citizens of Arizona, regardless of whether or not they vote. It is likely unconstitutional but it will take years to get it through the courts.
| Prop 200 Payday Loan “Reform” Act | NO |
Initiative sponsored by industry to remove sunset provisions and perpetuate usury in Arizona. Sets revised cap of 400% per year on loans and guarantees industry’s right to sweep borrower’s bank account.
Backers: Payday loan industry; Out of state investors.
Opponents: AZ Democratic Party
| Prop 201 Homeowner’s “Bill of Rights” | NO |
Forces home buyers to purchase a 10 year home warranty insurance policy as part of new home contract.
Backers: Insurance industry, AZ Realtors (receive commissions)
| Prop 202 Stop Illegal Hiring | ??? |
Establishes (reduces) penalties on companies that hire illegal immigrants and targets those that pay workers “under the table” Likely very ineffective in practice, actually reduces current employer sanctions.
Backers: Anti-immigrant forces, Wake Up AZ (a business coaliation),
Opponents: Russell Pearce
| Prop 300 State Legislative Salary Increase | YES |
Raises legislator’s salaries to $30,000 per year.

