State Proposals

[Billfred]

We had two statewide proposals, then one that affected the Columbia area.

The first ballot question was regarding minibottles. Basically, the state constitution requires bars and restaurants to serve alcohol from sealed, small bottles. We're the only state in the country that requires them, and the fact that the bottles are bigger than most free-poured drinks contain makes our drinks stronger (which supporters of the question say causes extra highway deaths). Either way, the question was whether or not the state should change the constitution to allow free-poured drinks. Approved.

The second ballot question asked whether the constitution should be changed regarding farm property taxes. The current system says that farms owned by corporations with ten or fewer shareholders were taxed at 4%. The proposal was to allow the state legislature to raise the number of shareholders. Rejected.

The final one was a local issue. Both Richland and Lexington counties were pitching a 1% increase in sales tax to offset property taxes. The idea was to shift the burden to people who use the county, but don't own property. Approved on both counts...much to my dismay.

[Joshua May]

The only one that I can really remember here in California was Proposition 71, which allows state funding for Stem Cell Research. It passed, which I am glad of.

[Christina]

I know this isn't my state, but I thought this was interesting. Someone I live with is from Alaska, and one of his proposals was the decriminalization of marijuana. I read the proposal, and it was complete decriminalization, like, you could smoke it, grow it, buy it, sell it, etc. I thought it was crazy! Yea, they could tax it, but it didn't require growers to have licenses, so how would you tax that? Fortunately, it didn't pass, 57% to 43%.

[Joe Matt]

Proposal 1:

Allow for a distirct representative to stay in their disctrict after a re-zoning due to a census, even if that representative is moved to another district.

Proposal 2:

Adds more people to the sucession line incase the Govenor dies and other ones do.

[Madison]

I added emphasis.

Ohio:

Section 11. Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage.

Michigan:

The proposal would amend the state constitution to provide that “the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose.”

Arkansas:

SECTION 2: Martial Status
Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital
status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the Legislature may
recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman.

...ad infinitum. If you are interested in reading the actual text of those amendments, as it's pretty obvious you have not yet done so, visit the Secretary of State website for each of the 11 states wherein this was on the ballot.

[Adam Y.]

I know this isn't my state, but I thought this was interesting. Someone I live with is from Alaska, and one of his proposals was the decriminalization of marijuana. I read the proposal, and it was complete decriminalization, like, you could smoke it, grow it, buy it, sell it, etc. I thought it was crazy! Yea, they could tax it, but it didn't require growers to have licenses, so how would you tax that? Fortunately, it didn't pass, 57% to 43%.

You know that is an interesting issue. It's another one of the states/rederal government rights concept.

...ad infinitum. If you are interested in reading the actual text of those amendments, as it's pretty obvious you have not yet done so, visit the Secretary of State website for each of the 11 states wherein this was on the ballot.

Sorry. I actually did research on it before posting. I just missed the one line that stated the civil union part. Only three states actually dealt with marriage alone. What can I say but try and fight the amendments in the courts.