Tag: Proposition

Ethan Explains California Proposition 57

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Ethan Explains California Proposition 57

This is number 7 of 17 of the California statewide ballot initiatives in 2016 that I’ll cover. Proposition 57 is the “California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative.”

Prison overcrowding reached a crescendo resulting in federal court rulings to lessen the overcrowding in California. Governor Jerry Brown and the legislature passed AB109, prison realignment. That wasn’t enough so in 2014 there was Proposition 47, with a misleading title and facts no thanks to Attorney General Kamala Harris.

The governor and others claim we need to let even more “non-violent” criminals out of prison with Prop 57.

The problem is that within all of these “non-violent” criminals are a number of criminals interested in committing violent and property crimes. Crimes rates in both categories are up approximately 10% since Prop 47 took effect. That rise makes California the outlier in the United States as other states continue to see a drop in crime, ours is going up.

Even worse, take a look at what crimes will be recategorized as non-violent. According to the Riverside Country district attorney, Michael A. Hestrin, these will become lesser crimes in California and eligible for early release: Rape by intoxication (refers to a circumstance in which the victim was under the influence), Rape of an unconscious person, Human trafficking involving a sex act with minors, Assault with a deadly weapon, Drive-by shooting. Hostage taking, Supplying a firearm to a gang member. Hate crime causing physical injury, and many more.

Do you think those crimes should be reduced in severity and become eligible for early release?

I think California needs to pause in experimenting with recategorizing crimes and allowing so many people out of prison and jail.

I say NO to Proposition 57.

Tune in to The Ethan Bearman Show Monday through Friday, noon to 2 p.m. on KGO 810 – www.kgoradio.com

Ethan Explains California Proposition 52

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Ethan Explains California Proposition 52

California has 17 statewide ballot initiatives this year. Here I talk about Proposition 52 “Medi‐Cal Hospital Fee Program. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.”

California politicians just can’t help themselves to fund whatever they want with money earmarked for a specific purpose.

In this case, California passed a law in 2009 to tax hospitals for raising funds to get maximum matching federal dollars for Medicare. Medicare in California is called Medi-Cal.

The politicians have basically stolen $900 million out of this fund to move into the general fund. Prop 52 will require a 2/3 vote to make any changes in the future instead of just a majority vote, making it much more difficult to raid.

I say stop the profligate spending. Start by voting YES on Proposition 52 November 8th.

Tune in to The Ethan Bearman Show weekdays from noon to 2pm on KGO 810 – www.kgoradio.com