The Six Ballot Initiatives That Can Change The Economy

Everyone knows it’s a presidential election. But there is also other stuff on the ballot. Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe to [this newsletter]( and to [our podcasts](. We Took The Initiative On This --------------------------------------------------------------- by Greg Rosalsky Yes, it’s election day. And there are two meaningfully different presidential candidates on the ballot. Go vote. But there are also a lot of other things on the ballot this year, including a bunch of really interesting state ballot initiatives. They’re worth paying attention to — even if you don’t live in these states. Ideas have a way of spreading, with the states being laboratories of democracy and all. Pixabay The Reagan Revolution, Partially Repealed? On June 6th, 1978, a strong majority of Californians voted for Prop 13, which slashed property taxes on homes, businesses, and farms. And it made it almost impossible for the state to raise property taxes. [Some have considered it]( like the first shot of the anti-tax Reagan Revolution. It has constrained and shaped the California budget for decades. This year there’s an effort to repeal that… just a little. The Proposition, Prop 15, would jack up property taxes on commercial properties. [Read more about it here](. The Battle Over The Gig Economy Another California ballot initiative with national implications is Proposition 22, which is all about how to regulate the gig economy. In 2019, California lawmakers passed a law that said that app-based gig workers, like Uber drivers, are employees who deserve typical benefits and protections. Proposition 22 would reclassify app-based workers as independent contractors. The ballot initiative is being [bankrolled by companies]( like Uber, Lyft, and Doordash — and it’s proving to be one of the most expensive ballot fights in California history. [Read more about it here](. Rejoice, DIYers? As car and tractor and truck engines increasingly become computers with pistons attached, manufacturers have made more and more of their products unfixable by anyone but authorized dealers. This has meant sky-rocketing repair costs and a deep sense of outrage by DIYers. Massachusetts is trying to roll that back in an initiative that could have national importance. [Read more about it here]( makers. Drugs! This could be a big year for pot smokers in [Arizona]( [Montana]( [New Jersey]( and [South Dakota](. Each state has ballot initiatives that would legalize recreational marijuana — and polls are indicating that they all will pass. Oregon, where marijuana is already legal, has another initiative, [Measure 110]( which would decriminalization possession of all drugs, at least in small amounts. Progressive Taxation in Illinois? Illinois currently levies a flat income tax of 4.95 percent on people, whether they’re high or low rollers. A big priority of Governor J.B. Pritzker is changing that, and at his initiative, voters can vote this year to [amend the state constitution]( and impose a progressive income tax, where the richer you are, the more you pay in tax. [Read more about it here](. $15 Minimum Wage In Florida, Amendment 2 gives voters the choice to raise its [current minimum wage of $8.56]( to $15 per hour by 2026. [Polling on support]( for the measure is close, so it may or may not pass. If it does, it would mean Florida will join California, Maryland, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, as well as the District of Columbia, on the $15 minimum wage train. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- On Our Podcasts --------------------------------------------------------------- Are you an educator? We've made it easy to [use Planet Money in the classroom here](. What Economy Are You Voting For? — Two candidates. Two very different ways of thinking about the economy. [Listen here]( Who Gets To Vote In Florida? — Angel Sanchez was 17 and in prison when he learned felons couldn't vote in Florida. When he got out, he tried to change that. It was working – until money got involved. [Listen here]( Also on The Indicator: [The 99% Invisible City With Roman Mars]( [Questions From Kids]( and [A New DAWN On Broadway]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. --------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [planetmoney@npr.org](mailto:planetmoney@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Daily News, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Planet Money emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]