California Voters to Decide on Key Propositions Affecting Crime, Wages, and Climate

The ballot measures include making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders, raising the minimum wage, and banning forced labor.

Proposition 36 seeks to reclassify shoplifting as a felony for repeat offenders and increase penalties for certain drug offenses, sparking debate over its potential impact on marginalized communities.
Proposition 32 proposes raising California's minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, potentially benefiting 2 million workers but facing criticism for possible economic drawbacks.
Proposition 4 aims to authorize $10 billion in bonds for climate initiatives, marking the state's largest investment in environmental programs, though critics argue it could be an expensive solution.
Proposition 6 intends to amend the state constitution to ban forced labor in all forms, aligning with recent legislative changes in other states to address prison labor conditions.
These propositions reflect broader socio-economic and environmental challenges facing California, with significant implications for state policy and residents' lives.