Proposition 21: $18 Vehicle Fee to Fund State Parks and Wildlife Programs

From Mobilize the Immigrant Vote

What is it?

Currently, State Parks and Wildlife Programs are funded through California's General Fund. The General Fund also provides funding for education, healthcare, public assistance and other critical community programs. During this economic crisis, the General Fund has shrunk and many programs including State Parks and wildlife programs are facing severe cuts.

Prop 21 would create a separate fund specifically for State Parks and wildlife programs, financed through an extra charge imposed when you register your vehicle. If it passes, Prop 21 would establish an $18 annual vehicle license fee earmarked specifically to help fund State Parks and Wildlife Programs. Prop 21 would also create a Park Pass, granting free admission to all State Parks for vehicles that pay the annual fee. The fee would generate about $500 million a year for State Parks and Wildlife Programs.

MIV Analysis

The State budget deficit has had a devastating effect on many communities. As Californians, we must find a way to protect all the programs that are vital to the health and general well-being of our communities and our environment, including preservation of State Parks and wildlife programs.

The $18 per year additional fee to register a vehicle may be a burden to low-income families. It is like a regressive tax because high and low income vehicle owners have to pay the same fee. Supporters say a free Park Pass might increase accessibility and provide a good incentive for low-income families to enjoy our State Park system.

By funding State Parks from another source, Prop 21 would relieve the General Fund of an estimated $130 million in expenditures. But that amount is not significant compared the $20 billion budget shortfall. Prop 21 would protect the State Park system, an important asset for all Californians, but other essential programs would remain vulnerable including education, health and human services. In the past, the Vehicle License Fee was higher and the fees went into the General Fund to pay for any needed state service. If Prop 21 passes, it would lock in fees to be used for only one purpose and make it harder to work for an additional increase in the Vehicle License Fee for other needed services.

Supporters & Opponents

Key Supporters include the San Jose Mercury News, California League of Conservation Voters, Heal the Bay, Dolores Huerta Foundation, California Federation of Teachers, Sierra Club

Key Opponents include California Against Car Taxes, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

For more information

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/qualified-ballot-measures.htm

---

Paid for by We Are California, sponsored committee of Mobilize the Immigrant Vote and Partnership for Immigrant Leadership and Action. 4100 Redwood Rd, Ste 10 #145, Oakland, CA 94619. FPPC# 1332307.