10 measures make state ballot

Arizona voters will get to decide the fate of 10 measures this year at the ballot.
Petitions for nine initiatives were turned in by the deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, apparently with sufficient signatures to qualify for the Nov. 4 ballot.
The Secretary of State's Office will be sending random samples to the 15 county recorders to check the validity. Ultimately, constitutional changes require 230,047 valid signatures after tossing out those disqualified; changes in state law need 153,365.
The last two were filed just Thursday: requiring a majority of registered voters to approve any tax hike at the ballot, and constitutionally barring race- or sex-based preferences in government programs.
One measure to constitutionally define marriage as between one man and one woman did not require signatures. It was put on the ballot by lawmakers.
There is likely to be an 11th measure.
A special commission will meet later this year to recommend a pay hike for state legislators who now get $24,000 a year plus allowances. No pay hike can be effective without voter approval.
In 2006 voters rejected a proposed $12,000 increase.
The number of ballot measures this year compares sharply with the record 19 issues before voters two years ago.

Marriage
Issue: Constitutionally define marriage as between one man and one woman.
Reason: While Arizona law already says this, this is designed to prevent courts or future Legislatures from declaring right to wed.
Major backers: Center for Arizona Policy, Arizona Catholic Conference. No donations so far.
Likely opposition: Gay rights groups and others who contend there's no need for constitutional amendment.

Payday loan industry
Issue: Keep payday loan industry alive past 2010
Reason: Law authorizing short-term, high-cost loans expires that year. Industry contends there is a need and is willing to make some changes in operation.
Major backers: Arizona Community Financial Services, composed of payday lenders. Contributions so far total more than $2.9 million
Likely opposition: Community groups, Service Employees International Union, United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Funding so far about $95,000.

Real estate tax
Issue: Ban tax on transfer of real estate.
Reason: There is no such tax now. But backers fear future efforts to broaden tax base to include real estate transfer tax.
Major backers: Arizona Association of Realtors. Donations so far $1.4 million.
Likely opposition: Unclear.

New home warranty
Issue: Require 10-year warranty on new homes.
Reason: Current law has no warranty requirement. Also outgrowth of dispute between major financial backer and home builders.
Major backers: Sheet Metal Workers International Association. Total so far about $360,000.
Likely opposition: Home builders.

Employer sanctions law
Issue: Ease some provisions of employer sanctions law.
Reason: Business groups contend new state law that took effect Jan. 1 is unfair and penalizes companies for innocent mistakes.
Major backers: Wake Up Arizona, an organization of business owners.
Likely opposition: Rep. Russell Pearce, architect of the state law.

State sales tax
Issue: Impose 1-cent hike in state sales tax for 30 years, to 6.6 percent, to fund $42.6 billion transit improvements.
Reason: Supporters say the current source of funds - gas taxes, vehicle registration fees and federal dollars - won't be enough to meet needs of growing state.
Major backers: Construction companies, many of whom get contracts for road and light rail construction. About $700,000 collected so far.
Likely opposition: Goldwater Institute (tax hike not necessary), some legislators (too much for mass transit), Sierra Club (too little for mass transit).

State trust land
Issue: Put 570,000 acres of state trust land off limits to development, allow communities to buy at appraised price instead of having to bid at auction.
Reason: Current mandate to Land Department to get most money for trust lands requires sale or lease for development to highest bidder.
Major backers: Nature Conservancy, former Democratic Party Chair Jim Pederson. About $800,000 so far.
Likely opposition: Arizona School Boards Association fear of undermining funds for schools.

Tax hike voting
Issue: Require majority of registered voters, not just those going to polls, to approve future tax hikes.
Reason: Concern that state budget crunch and demands for special programs will lead to ballot initiatives to hike taxes, just like this year's road tax measure.
Major backers: MJKL Enterprises which owns the Carl's Jr. franchises in Arizona, TCAG Management Services (auto dealer Jim Click's California corporation), Beer and Wine Distributors. About $650,000.
Likely opposition: Unclear. Possibly groups that might want to take tax measures to the ballot in the future for health care, other issues.

Employment bias
Issue: Constitutionally bar preference in public employment, contracts, education based on race, sex, other factors.
Reason: Backers seek end to affirmative action and other programs that provide special consideration for minorities and women.
Major backers: American Civil Rights Coalition, headed by Ward Connerly who got first version approved in California in 1996. Total funding so far about $850,000.
Likely opposition: By All Means Necessary formed in Michigan to unsuccessfully battle 2006 measure there, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Health insurance
Issue: Prohibit forced enrollment in health insurance programs.
Reason: Concern that future health care reforms will include systems that preclude patients from choosing own doctors or being forced to purchase health insurance.
Major backers: Medical benefit firms, doctors, Kenneth Levy (New Jersey investment manager).
Likely opposition: Groups that want to push single-payor health plans.

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State law allows supporters and foes to file arguments for and against ballot measures. These arguments, which cannot be more than 300 words, are put into booklets which are mailed to every household in the state where there is at least one registered voter.
Deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne said the arguments are printed exactly as made. That means individuals can use bold and italic typefaces and underlining.
But that means submitting the materials electronically. Tyne said his office prefers either Microsoft Word or WordPerfect.
Those without computers can file written comments. But the cost for those is $100. And that increases the chances it won't be reproduced exactly as submitted.
Arguments have to be received by Tyne's office no later than 5 p.m. July 11.
A new law requires that signatures for all arguments be notarized.
For political committees the only acceptable signers are chairman or treasurer.
 For other organizations or corporations that submit ballot arguments there must be the signatures of at least two executive officers.
 Arguments must include name, address and phone number of those signing, though only the name and city will appear in the pamphlet.