Archives for June 2011

DenverColorado’s initiative process has been under sustained attack from state legislators and special interests for several years. Misinformation, half-truths, and outright falsehoods have characterized the arguments of those aiming to restrict initiative rights, while the voices of those supporting the state’s initiative process often go unheard.

Dr. John MatsusakaJust last week syndicated columnist George Will conjectured that “as much as 85 percent” of California’s budget is controlled by initiatives. Where he gets the 85 percent figure isn’t clear, but then Mr. Will is merely repeating what has become a fundamental piece of California political mythology: the idea that the state’s budget woes are the fault of voters and the initiative process. As updated research from Dr.