Proposition 53: Revenue bonds, statewide voter approval
The voting information below is from the Secretary of State website:
Requires statewide voter approval before any revenue bonds can be issued or sold by the state for projects that are financed, owned, operated, or managed by the state or any joint agency created by or including the state, if the bond amount exceeds $2 billion. Prohibits dividing projects into multiple separate projects to avoid statewide voter approval requirement.
A Yes Vote Means
A YES vote on this measure means: State revenue bonds totaling more than $2 billion for a project that is funded, owned, or managed by the state would require statewide voter approval.
A No Vote Means
A NO vote on this measure means: State revenue bonds could continue to be used without voter approval.
Pro Argument
Proposition 53 requires voter approval for state megaprojects costing over $2 billion in state revenue bonds—like the bullet train. Doesn't impact local projects. Increases transparency so taxpayers know the true cost. Holds politicians accountable and stops blank checks. If taxpayers have to pay, they should have a say! Read more about Yes on 53 - Stop Blank Checks here.
Con Argument
Prop. 53 erodes local control by requiring statewide vote on some local infrastructure projects. Empowers voters in faraway regions to reject your community's needs. Prop. 53 jeopardizes water supply, bridge safety, other repairs. No exemption for emergencies/disasters. California Professional Firefighters, cities, counties, Association of California Water Agencies urge No on 53. Read why here.