California CRE News In Your Inbox.
Sign up for Connect emails to stay informed with CRE stories that are 150 words or less.
Examining How California’s Proposed Break-Up Would Work
A proposal has qualified for California’s November ballot that would split the state into three parts, Northern California, California and Southern California. More than 458,000 valid signatures were gathered for the Cal 3 ballot measure. While there’s plenty of uncertainty surrounding the legality of slicing the state up, or if voters or U.S. Congress will vote for it, a break-up faces significant challenges.
The state doesn’t require an approval by its state legislatures, since people can vote to pass a measure into law. Language in the measure identifies it as an amendment, rather than a revision, which would require state congressional approval. That distinction is likely to be questioned and challenged before the most populous U.S. state with the world’s fifth largest economy is divided.
If it is approved by voters, it could be challenged and die in the California Supreme Court. If it makes its way to Washington, it will require the consent of other states’ U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
Ultimately, the proposed measure calls for each state to have two U.S. senators and a number of congressional representatives, which would add several more voices in the Electoral College for California.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser
- ◦Economy
