Proposition 4 would overturn current law, allowing state and local governments to be able to create public financing programs for campaigns
In November, voters will decide whether political campaigns in future elections will be able to use taxpayer money in their push for office.
Proposition 4 would overturn current law, allowing state and local governments to be able to create public financing programs for campaigns. It would have restrictions on how the money could be used.
“A yes vote on Proposition 4 is a vote to simply lift the ban on public financing of our elections,” said Jenny Farrell with the League of Women Voters. Farrell said this would give candidates without wealthy donor networks another way to compete.
“Public financing really allows qualified candidates from all walks of life to compete and win,” Farrell said.
Proposition 4 outlines that the public funds could not come from money earmarked for education, transportation or public safety.
Candidates receiving taxpayer dollars would have to meet eligibility requirements and agree to spending limits.
“Do you want your tax dollars going to things that actually benefit taxpayers, like schools, parks, libraries, police? Or do you want the government to spend your tax dollars on campaign hit pieces and mailers that clog up your mailbox right before the election?” said David Kline, with the California Taxpayers Association.
Kline argues Proposition 4 would not eliminate private or special-interest campaign spending.
“It’s just a misuse of tax dollars — pure and simple. It doesn’t remove any special interest funding. It just augments it with your money and my money,” Kline said.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the measure could lead to significant costs for governments that choose to create public financing programs. The state would face relatively small ongoing costs, estimated at a few hundred thousand dollars a year.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states and Washington, D.C., provide some form of public financing option for political candidates.
KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.