Campaigns backing state ballot propositions have cumulatively raised more than $250 million in contributions - roughly $17 for every California resident likely to vote in a couple of weeks, according to data from the California Secretary of State.
Raising the most contributions are Jerry Brown's tax initiative; a competing tax initiative by wealthy lawyer Molly Munger; an initiative that would curb union and corporate political spending; and an initiative requiring labeling of genetically-modified foods.
In several cases, the vast bulk of financing for a ballot initiative comes from a single, wealthy individual.
This chart, using data from election funding tracker MapLight shows the largest single donor for and against each proposition. Follow the links to learn more about particular propositions or donors.
| Measure |
Intent |
Biggest Supporter |
Biggest Opponent |
|
| Prop
30 |
Raises taxes for education, public safety |
Service Employees
International Union ($8,565,406) |
Charles T Munger ($21,949,561) |
|
| Prop
31 |
Two-year state budget cycle |
Nicolas Berggruen
Institute ($1,557,587) |
AFL-CIO/AFSCME ($92,131) |
|
| Prop
32 |
Ban on corporate, union contributions |
Charles T
Munger ($22,941,765) |
CA Teachers Association
($20,482,458) |
|
| Prop
33 |
Car insurance rates based on history |
George
Joseph/Mercury Insurance ($16,422,127) |
California
Nurses Assoc. ($97,500) |
|
| Prop
34 |
Ends death penalty |
The Atlantic
Advocacy Fund ($1,000,000) |
Peace Officers Research Assoc.
($184,967) |
|
| Prop
35 |
Increases penalties for human trafficking |
Chris Kelly
($2,160,000) |
None |
|
| Prop
36 |
Changes "three strikes" law |
George
Soros ($1,000,000) |
Peace Officers Research Assoc.
($100,000) |
|
| Prop
37 |
Labels genetically engineered food |
Organic
Consumers Fund ($1,334,865) |
Monsanto
($7,105,582) |
|
| Prop
38 |
Raises taxes for education |
Molly Munger
($32,978,399) |
California
Chamber of Commerce ($23,500) |
|
| Prop
39 |
Raises taxes for clean energy |
Thomas
Steyer ($21,900,000) |
General Motors ($20,000) |
|
| Prop
40 |
Nullifies State Senate redistricting |
Charles
T Munger ($599,102) |
California
Republican Party ($1,749,562) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source: MapLight; California Secretary of State
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