State GOP Endorses Death Penalty But Not Taxes

The California Republican Party today reiterated its opposition to two measures on the November ballot that would increase taxes.

Delegates at its fall state convention in Burbank voted to oppose Proposition 30 -- the measure backed by Gov. Jerry Brown to increase the sales and income taxes -- and Proposition 38, which would increase the income tax to bolster funding for education.

The party had gone on record opposing both measures at its spring convention in February when supporters were gathering signatures to attempt to place them on the ballot.

The party also reiterated its support of Proposition 32 and Proposition 33, which had initially received backing when supporters were gathering signatures to place them on the ballot.

Proposition 32 would prohibit unions, corporations, government contractors and state and local government employers from spending money deducted from an employee's paycheck for political purposes. It first received the party's backing at its 2011 fall convention.

Proposition 33 would allow insurers to offer discounts to new customers who can prove they were continuously covered over the previous five years. It first officially received the party's support at its spring 2012 convention.

The party also voted to oppose:

• Proposition 34, which would end the death penalty in California
• Proposition 36, which would make changes to the state's three strikes law
• Proposition 37, which would require labeling of genetically engineer food
• Proposition 39, which would change the way multi-state businesses calculate how much income taxes they owe.

The party also voted to support:

• Proposition 31, which would establish a two-year state budget cycle and make other changes to the state budget process
• Proposition 35, which would increase criminal penalties for human trafficking
• Proposition 40, a referendum of the new state Senate district boundaries.

California's major parties agree on three of the 11 measures on the November ballot, with both opposing Proposition 38 and supporting Propositions 35 and 40. voted to remain neutral on Proposition 39.

-City News Service