Who is Funding the Statewide Ballot Measures?

Contact: Jay Wierenga, (916) 322-7761

.pdf version of news release

 

By June 30, 2012, over $84 million had already been donated to committees primarily formed to support or oppose the eleven ballot measures that have qualified for the November 6, 2012, ballot, according to the Fair Political Practices Commission. The Commission's reports disclose donors of $10,000 or more to each of the 2012 ballot measure committees.

"Although there are limitations on the amount a State candidate may receive from a single contributor, there are no such limits for committees that are formed to support or oppose a ballot measure," explains Ann Ravel, the Commission's Chair. "It is crucial that we provide the voters with tools to see where the money is coming from so they can make informed choices. The Commission's reports summarize in one document not just the largest donors, but all donors that contribute $10,000 or more. In addition, voters can determine if donors reside in California or out of state."

Two ballot measures were on the June 5, 2012, statewide ballot - Proposition 28 and Proposition 29. Proposition 28, which changes term limits for state legislators, was approved by the voters. The three committees formed primarily to support Proposition 28 gathered contributions totaling over $2.1 million, while the losing side collected almost $830,000.

Proposition 29, which would have imposed an additional tax on cigarettes, was narrowly defeated. Over $66 million was raised by committees formed to support or oppose 
Proposition 29. Nearly $48 million was received by the No on 29 - Californians Against Out-of-Control Taxes & Spending, whose major donors included various tobacco companies.

For the Commission's summary and analysis of major donors of $10,000 or more to each of the 2012 State ballot measures. For a description of each of the ballot measures, .

 

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