It’s official: Replacing 2/3 vote rule in our State Legislature proponents NOT gathering signatures

Update from original post earlier this year:

The author of this ballot measure is not collecting signatures at this time. I called them today and their official response is: “We are taking a wait and see attitude at this time. We are not collecting signatures.” For more information on the author, look here.

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It has begun: a movement to take away the 2/3 vote for California State budget approval. The first two of several potential initiatives was released February 18th by our Secretary of State so the proponent can begin collecting signatures. The first initiative asks for a change from 2/3 vote to 55%, or supermajority. The second asks for a supermajority except in the case of property tax increases.

The Attorney General’s official title and summary for the first measure is as follows:

STATE BUDGET. REPEAL OF TWO-THIRDS LEGISLATIVE VOTE REQUIREMENT. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Lowers the legislative vote requirement necessary to pass the state budget, and spending bills related to the budget, from sixty-seven percent (two-thirds) to fifty-five percent. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Unknown changes in the content of the annual state budget. Fiscal impact would depend on the composition and actions of future Legislatures. (08-0022.)

The Attorney General’s official title and summary for the second measure is as follows:

STATE BUDGET. TAXES. REPEAL OF TWO-THIRDS LEGISLATIVE VOTE REQUIREMENT. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Lowers the legislative vote requirement necessary to pass the state budget, spending bills related to the budget, and budget-related tax increases, from sixty-seven percent (two-thirds) to fifty-five percent. Retains sixty-seven percent (two-thirds) vote requirement for property tax increases. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Unknown state fiscal impacts from lowering the legislative vote requirement for spending and tax increases related to the budget. In some cases, the content of the annual state budget could change and/or state tax revenues could increase. Fiscal impact would depend on the composition and actions of future Legislatures. (08-0023.)

The Courage Campaign is pledging to repeal the 2/3 rule, and they have met with members of the Legislature on this. But is a 55% supermajority vote the right idea, or should we go for simple majority?

I hear incoming State Party Chair John Burton is for simple majority.

What’s the difference, and do we care?