California voters made some very important decisions on Nov. 6, some of which will have a profound effect on GCC.

Proposition 30 which would allocate much needed funds to state colleges. Proposition 32 would have prohibited unions and corporations to deduct money from employee’s paychecks for political purposes. The death penalty was on the line in Proposition 34. Labels on genetically altered foods, changes to the “Three Strikes Law,” human trafficking penalties and clean energy funding were all on the ballot.

Election Results:

House and Senate Races

In the 43rd Assembly race, incumbent Mike Gatto ,D-Silverlake, took 60.46 percent of the vote to defeat Republican challenger Greg Krikorian.

In the 28th District incumbent Rep Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, acquired an overwhelming 75.96 percent of the vote against challenger, Phil Jennerjahn.

In the 25th District Senate race, Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Canada) retains her seat, defeating Republican challenger, Gilbert Gonzales with 60.3 percent of the vote.

Proposition 30 –— Passed

In a close race, Proposition 30 squeaked by with 53.9 percent of the vote.

A sales-tax increase of one-quarter cent will go into effect for four years as will a personal tax increase on annual earnings of $250,000 or more for seven years. The revenue raised from this initiative will be allocated to schools K-12, community colleges, state universities and public safety agencies.

Proposition 31 –— Failed

Fiscal responsibilities of local budgeting and oversight will remain with the state and not local government. Voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposition with 60.8 percent of the vote.

Proposition 32 –— Failed

Prohibits corporations and unions from using payroll deductions to fund political agendas.

Voters rejected this initiative with 56.2 percent against.

Proposition 33 –— Failed

Insurance companies cannot base their discounted auto insurance rates on how long a customer has maintained their policy with the insurer. New drivers and drivers who have not been insured due to legitimate reasons will not be forced to pay higher rates.

There were 54.7 percent who voted no.

Proposition 34 –— Failed

The death penalty will remain in place in California. Voters chose not to abolish the death penalty with 52.8 percent voting against the initiative.

Proposition 35 – Passed

A whopping 81.8 percent of voters decided to increase the penalties for crimes involving human trafficking. Those convicted of human trafficking will also have to register as sex offenders.

Proposition 36 – Passed

A resounding 68.7 percent elected to change the “Three Strikes Law,” which will now prevent two- time felons from being sentenced to life if they commit a third crime that does not involve a serious or violent offense.

Proposition 37 –— Failed

Manufacturers of genetically altered foods will not be required to specifically label their products as such. Fifty-three percent of California voters were against this measure.

Proposition 38 –— Failed

This was another initiative to raise taxes to fund schools but did not include colleges. The tax hike would have affected anyone earning $7,136 annually. This proposal was rejected by 72.3 percent of voters.

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Proposition 39 –— Passed

This prohibits multi-state businesses from choosing more favorable tax liability options based on property and payroll outside the state. Yes votes were counted at 60.1 percent.

Proposition 40 –— Passed

This initiative allows the senate district boundaries certified by the Citizens Redistricting Commission to be used in the next election. Votes were tabulated at 71.4 percent in favor of the proposition.