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A dark blue background with a circle and an artistically rendered minimal design of the state of California. A dark blue background with a circle and an artistically rendered minimal design of the state of California.

California 2024 Statewide Ballot Measures: Your Guide to Key Propositions

How to Use This Guide

The UWBA Voter Guide provides a summary of the measures on the November 2024 ballot that affect our mission and the communities we serve. This guide evaluates local and state measures that address both immediate needs and the systemic inequities contributing to poverty in the Bay Area.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Basic Needs: Access to food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services.
  • Employment and Career Opportunities: Building pathways for youth and adults to achieve career goals and earn a living wage.
  • Financial Stability: Empowering individuals and families to reach financial goals, navigate crises, and improve their quality of life.
  • Housing Justice: Working with communities to improve access to stable, affordable housing and prevent homelessness.

Evaluation Criteria

Each ballot measure was evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Fit: Does it align with UWBA’s Public Policy Agenda and our programs?
  • Impact: How does it affect the populations we serve, and does it help dismantle systemic poverty?
  • Benefits vs. Risks: Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Measure Recommendations

Each measure receives one of the following recommendations:

  • Support: Fully aligns with UWBA’s agenda and helps meet community needs.
  • Neutral: Related to UWBA’s agenda, but we remain neutral, often in collaboration with statewide networks.
  • Oppose: Detrimental to UWBA’s mission and programs.

For more information on our public policy efforts, visit our policy page

California Proposition 2 |

K-12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act

This general obligation bond measure would provide $10 billion in funding for school renovation and construction, with $8.5 billion being used for elementary and secondary educational facilities, including public and charter schools. The remaining $1.5 billion of this funding would be reserved for community college facilities.

Rationale

We recognize the critical need for funding essential renovation, construction, and expansion of school district facilities. Older buildings require renovations and repairs to remain safe for our students. This investment in education will ensure students are equipped with 21st century technology to prepare for thriving careers. By investing in our schools, communities can support student success today and lay the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for every student in the community.

California Proposition 3 |

Marriage Equality

This constitutional amendment would affirm the right of same-sex couples to marry, making marriage a fundamental right. It removes language from Proposition 8, passed in 2008, that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Rationale

We are committed to equality and dignity for all individuals and families. Proposition 3 would enshrine marriage equality in the California Constitution, making the civil rights and protections afforded in marriage permanent and free from discrimination for all Californians.

California Proposition 6 |

Removes All Language Allowing Slavery and Involuntary Servitude from California’s Constitution

This constitutional amendment would repeal language prohibiting involuntary servitude except to punish crime and replace it with language prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude without exception.

Rationale

No one in California should be subjected to forced labor – that is slavery. Such practices undermine dignified rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. Incarcerated individuals should never be subjected to punishment for refusing unpaid labor.

California Proposition 5 |

Allows Local Bonds for Affordable Housing and Public Infrastructure with 55% Voter Approval

This constitutional amendment would allow local bonds for affordable housing for low- and middle-income Californians, or for public infrastructure, to be approved by 55% of voters.

Rationale

Proposition 5 would bring the affordable housing and infrastructure bond approval threshold in line with school bonds, which are approved at 55%. By lowering the threshold, voters can invest in affordable housing and local infrastructure with a lower barrier to approval.

California Proposition 32 |

Raises Minimum Wage

Proposition 32 would raise California’s minimum wage to $18 per hour over the next two years, benefiting millions of workers.

Rationale

Increasing the minimum wage is necessary to ensure that wages keep pace with the rising cost of living in California. This is a step towards economic stability for working families.

California Proposition 33 |

Prohibit State Limitations on Local Rent Control Initiative

This measure repeals the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, allowing cities and counties to expand rent control to cover all housing and limit rent increases.

Rationale

While we support rent control, Proposition 33 lacks provisions to protect housing investment. Balancing rent control with policies that encourage affordable housing development is crucial. Proposition 33 does not include these essential elements.

UWBA Broadly Supports Investments in Education

View statewide and county-specific measures and propositions that impact education. Explore Education Measures

Explore Other County or California Propositions and Measures

Access the 2024 Greater Bay Area Voter Guide and Make Your Voice Count

  • PDF Download: Receive a downloadable PDF of the entire voter guide, covering all Bay Area counties for complete access.
  • Full Access to Key Ballot Measures: Gain detailed insights on both state and local measures shaping Santa Clara County’s future, including affordable housing and public safety.
  • Comprehensive Explanations: Understand how these measures impact financial stability, social equity, and align with United Way Bay Area’s mission to combat poverty.
  • Clear Recommendations: Get clear positions on crucial issues affecting housing, financial security, and essential community resources.

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Thank You!

Thank you for opting in! You now have complete access to our online 2024 Greater Bay Area Voter Guide. Please also download your digital copy! Should you find that you cannot access the online version, please click the link provided in your email.