What’s it take to get a statewide ballot measure on November’s ballot? A billionaire…or other deep pockets. If you’re not one of the many cashing in on the “Caruso Can” for LA Mayor’s race, no worries, there’s still plenty of money out there. As we look at the ballot measures appearing before votes this November, many are backed by big players (literally and figuratively). We know, that’s not a big surprise, but it is often interesting to look at who’s writing the checks and how much money the measures have amassed in 2022 so far.
Props 26 & 27: ONLINE GAMING
Yes On 26 / No on 27: Having collected more than $60 million so far, this measure is being primarily funded by Indian tribes with deep pockets. Some tribes have given as much as $15 million so far.
No on 26: Although the committee’s name says it’s Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies, the Card Clubs and local Casinos are the ones contributing to the $40 million it has collected.
No on 27: The other no on 27 group’s $41 million is funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.
Yes on 27: Having already raised just over $100 million with “loans” by the Big Gaming and Betting companies.
Prop 28: ARTS and MUSIC IN SCHOOLS
Yes on 28: Backed by investment banker and former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner and others, the committee has raised nearly $7 million with no formalized opposition.
Prop 29: INCREASED REGULATIONS ON KIDNEY DIALYSIS CLINICS
Yes on 29: Funded by SEIU UHW, the committee has raised $7.3 million.
No on 29: With contributions reaching $34.5 million so far, it’s not a surprise that the No on 29 is funded solely by dialysis clinic companies Davita and Fresenius Medical Care.
Prop 30: FUNDING TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Yes on 30: Having amassed $15.6 million this year, Yes on 30 is being largely funded by Lyft (largely as in more than $15 million).
Prop 30 has no opposition on file.
Prop 31: REFERENDUM CHALLENGING LAW FORBIDDING SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO
Yes on 31: Total contributions to the Yes side of Prop 31 is just short of $3 million with Michael Bloomberg being its largest contributor by far.
No on 31: As you can imagine, the no side of Prop 31 is being generously funded by tobacco manufacturers such as Phillip Morris and R.J. Reynolds and its affiliates. So far, the No side has more than $15 million on record.