Uber’s $1 million Super Bowl ad campaign has sparked a debate in California over a proposed ballot measure that aims to cap attorney fees at 25%, including expenses. The ridesharing company has invested $12 million overall into the campaign, arguing that the measure will protect Californians from predatory “billboard lawyers” and doctors who inflate medical bills with unnecessary procedures, taking too large a share from victims’ legal settlements.Trial lawyers, however, contend that Uber is misleading the public. They claim the tech giant is attempting to gain immunity from liability for crashes caused by its drivers. Some Californians saw a competing ad during the Super Bowl in certain TV markets, highlighting the ongoing advertising war.Steven Maviglio, a political strategist not involved in the proposed ballot, said, “It’s a real advertising war during the Super Bowl, but also something that probably should have been settled in the Legislature that’s now gone right to the ballot. There is often an attempt by both sides to try to fight each other early in the game in order to reach a compromise and pull these things off the ballot.”Mindy Romero, the director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California, pointed out that Uber has successfully supported ballot measures before, such as Proposition 22 in 2020. “Proposition 22 was supported heavily by Uber. We think about $200 million to get that on the ballot and passed by California voters,” Romero said.This measure allowed rideshare drivers to remain independent contractors, exempting them from a state law that would have made them eligible for employee benefits.Romero emphasized the importance of voters being informed.”Get all the information you can on the pros and cons, look for trusted sources of information,” Romero said.She advised voters to carefully review the official wording of the ballot and ensure they understand it.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Uber’s $1 million Super Bowl ad campaign has sparked a debate in California over a proposed ballot measure that aims to cap attorney fees at 25%, including expenses.

The ridesharing company has invested $12 million overall into the campaign, arguing that the measure will protect Californians from predatory “billboard lawyers” and doctors who inflate medical bills with unnecessary procedures, taking too large a share from victims’ legal settlements.

Trial lawyers, however, contend that Uber is misleading the public. They claim the tech giant is attempting to gain immunity from liability for crashes caused by its drivers.

Some Californians saw a competing ad during the Super Bowl in certain TV markets, highlighting the ongoing advertising war.

Steven Maviglio, a political strategist not involved in the proposed ballot, said, “It’s a real advertising war during the Super Bowl, but also something that probably should have been settled in the Legislature that’s now gone right to the ballot. There is often an attempt by both sides to try to fight each other early in the game in order to reach a compromise and pull these things off the ballot.”

Mindy Romero, the director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California, pointed out that Uber has successfully supported ballot measures before, such as Proposition 22 in 2020.

“Proposition 22 was supported heavily by Uber. We think about $200 million to get that on the ballot and passed by California voters,” Romero said.

This measure allowed rideshare drivers to remain independent contractors, exempting them from a state law that would have made them eligible for employee benefits.

Romero emphasized the importance of voters being informed.

“Get all the information you can on the pros and cons, look for trusted sources of information,” Romero said.

She advised voters to carefully review the official wording of the ballot and ensure they understand it.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel