Insights on the Propositions from the Arizona Legislature

Having followed the actions at the State Legislature this past year, we have observed their power grab as they sponsored bill after bill taking power away from other departments and municipalities. These bills didn't pass on the floor, so they are burdening the people of Arizona with all these propositions, hoping that we won't be informed.

Here are our opinions on these props from the state legislature.

Proposition 141: Prohibits state and local governments from imposing vehicle-mileage taxes or tracking/limiting how many miles drivers travel.

Vote No on Proposition 141

The Sierra Club says: This would prohibit the state and local governments from taking important actions to reduce vehicle miles traveled to reduce pollution in our communities. Travel reduction is a component of our state implementation plans to improve air quality. Fees have been proposed as an alternative to gas taxes to pay for roads as well.

Besides, do we want the State Legislature dictating what counties and cities can do? 

Proposition 142: Amends the state constitution to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) preferences, training, or race/ethnicity-based discrimination in public education and government agencies.

Vote No on Proposition 142

This would eliminate any programs that help to address inequities that have limited opportunities for people of color.

Proposition 144: Requires government-issued photo ID for all voters (including by mail), restricts voting strictly to U.S. citizens, bans foreign contributions in state elections, and guarantees an option for local Election Day ballot tabulation.

 
Vote No on Proposition 144

The goal is clearly to limit early voting and require all voters (even those voting mail ballots) to "show valid government-issued proof of identity." Voter identification is already required for registering and signature verification has worked quite well. This measure would also give the legislature the authority to shut down early voting! 

Proposition 316: Caps municipal sales taxes on groceries at 2% and requires voter approval for any new or increased local food taxes.

Vote No on Proposition 316

This proposition does have some merit (even though it doesn't affect Tucson since we don't have a grocery tax), but it is limiting the actions cities and counties can take. Do we want the State Legislature constraining local government actions without consideration of local needs? 

Proposition 317: Classifies drug cartels as terrorist organizations and directs the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to take action against them.

Vote No on Proposition 317

On the surface, this sounds good. Why wouldn't we want to take action against cartels? The biggest issue with this proposal is that the Az DHS can take action against any group the Legislature designates as terrorists. In the past, they have tried to classify protestors and various political groups as terrorists. This is opening the door to a police state in Arizona. 

Proposition 318: Restricts school and athletic association sports teams and private spaces (such as locker rooms and bathrooms) to biological sex at birth.

 
Vote No on Proposition 318

This is just another culture war bill from the Legislature promoting hate and division to distract us from the real issues.

Proposition 319: Prohibits state agencies and local governments from using automated speed or red-light cameras in the future and requires existing systems be removed unless approved by voters every 10 years.

Vote No on Proposition 319

There is legitimate pushback against Flock cameras, which are operated by a private entity collecting data about citizens and not protecting that data from misuse; however, not all cameras are Flock cameras and we do have very real issues in Tucson with speeding drivers and drivers running red lights killing other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Tucson doesn't have enough police officers to chase all these dangerous drivers down and high speed chases are also a threat to others on the road. A properly regulated traffic camera system could be part of the solution. This proposition would make that impossible.

Proposition 320: Requires large public school districts to direct minimum 60% percentage of operational spending toward classroom instruction.

Vote No on Proposition 320

This seemingly well-intentioned proposition is likely to have the effect of eliminating spending on other services for public school students, like athletic, music and art, and special education programs. Not to mention supporting roles like school counselors and nurses. Leave these decisions up to local control! (It's also telling that the Az Legislature wants to tell public schools how to spend their money while refusing to control rampant fraudulent spending in the school voucher program that is bankrupting the state.)

Here is the Sierra Club's voting guide.