Recall just one item on Oct. 7 ballot

Rob Attridge

Lost in the furor of the gubernatorial recall is a measure that could

have a profound effect on all Californians: Proposition 53. Voter

approval of Proposition 53 could return us to a sorely missed era of

fiscal responsibility for infrastructure needs -- without raising

taxes.

California’s infrastructure -- state and local highways, water

systems, hospitals, bridges and natural resources, among others --

have been badly neglected.

Our infrastructure has been significantly underfunded not just

during the recent budget difficulties, but during previous years of

record budget surpluses, and indeed over the past 20-plus years. As a

result, California’s highway and bridge conditions, along with

traffic congestion, are among the worst of any U.S. state. Our water

systems, hospitals and other public buildings are badly in need of

updating and also have not kept pace with the state’s population and

economic growth.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Californians spent 15% to 20% of its

general fund budget on infrastructure projects, including roads,

universities, water and power systems and recreational facilities.

Today, however, the state allocates just 0.2% of the general fund to

directly pay for infrastructure and about 2% to pay for

infrastructure bonds.

When crucial infrastructure needs are neglected in boom times, as

well as during difficult budget years, it’s a signal that priorities

need to change. Proposition 53 is a step in the right direction

toward ensuring a continuing commitment to address California’s basic

infrastructure needs.

The measure would dedicate up to 3% of the state’s general fund

expenditures each year to infrastructure projects. But during

difficult budget times, when state revenues fail to meet projections,

the requirement would be eased, allowing for flexibility during

budget crisis such as the current one.

Proposition 53 funds would be split evenly between state and local

infrastructure projects. Projects eligible for these funds include:

transpirations, water resources, higher education, natural resources,

criminal justice, health services and public buildings.

This proposition will provide need funding to build and repair

police and fire stations, hospitals, parks and recreational

facilities, universities and libraries, water and power systems and

transportation facilities -- all without raising taxes. At the same

time, Prop. 53 preserves existing Constitutional guarantees for

public education funding.

The Auto Club supports Proposition 53 to provide needed funding

for critical state and local infrastructure improvements. We urge

voters to join us.

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Rob Attridge is the Newport Beach district office

manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California.