Update on Challenges to Proposition 63

Update on Challenges to Proposition 63

The following information was provided by the California Coalition for Mental Health.

To: Mental Health Associates
From: Rusty Selix
Re: Update on challenges to Proposition 63

Opponents have introduced three challenges to Proposition 63 - None are a serious threat - at this time.

Oppponents to Proposition 63 have introduced efforts to repeal it in three ways - legislation - SB 26 Hollingsworth, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, and an initiative drafted and submitted to the Attorney General by Lew Uhler - one of the signers of the ballot arguments against it and head of the National Tax Limitation Committee.

The filing of these proposals does not in any way delay or impede the implementation of Proposition 63. We do not currently regard any as likely to succeed, however, we, of course, will carefully monitor the lawsuit and the proposed initiative and vigorously oppose the legislation.

The state of California will defend the lawsuit - through the Attorney General. It was also filed against Los Angeles County so the County Counsel will also defend. We will speak with attorneys involved and determine the appropriateness or value of having mental health organizations join as affected parties.

The initiative will have an official title and summary and analysis prepared by the Attorney General and Legislative analyst over the next several weeks and then the filers will have 150 days to collect signatures. If it looks like they are going to be successful we will need to re-establish our campaign infrastructure and prepare to oppose the measure. However, we should all be aware that hundreds of proposed initiatves are filed with the Attorney General every year and only a few make it to the ballot.

Most importantly none of these prevent the state from collecting the revenues and implementing Proposition 63. All of us should continue to move forward with implementation. We will keep everyone apprised of any significant developments on these opposition challenges.

Last Updated on 01/07/05 webmaster@namiscc.org

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