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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08152006 - C.51 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS M A ."', Contra FROM: JOHN CULLEN, f , Costa COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR �` y x� DATE: AUGUST 15, 2006 `°SrA COUNT `�~ County SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO PROPOSITION 88 SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: OPPOSE Proposition 88 which would impose a $50 parcel tax statewide for the purpose of funding designated K-12 education programs, as recommended by the CSAC Government Finance and Operations Policy Committee. BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION: Proposition 88 would impose a st litewide $50 parcel tax, administered by counties, to benefit K-12 schools. The money would be used for class size reduction; textbooks and other materials; policing, gang-risk intervention, afterschool and intersession and development programs; facility grants for districts that do not receive state general obligation bond money, such as charter schools; and a teacher/student achievement data system to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of programs and investments. Counties' share for implementation of the parcel tax would be limited to 0.2%, or 10¢ per successfully taxed parcel. Contrary to the Legislative Analyst's opinion, that .2% would be sufficient for administration. According to CSAC, County Auditor-Controller staff have indicated such a parcel tax is administrativiely complex and costly. Several years ago, cost to administer another parcel tax proposal was estimated at 60¢ per parcel, 6 times more than allowed under Proposition 88. Proposition 88 significantly erodes the link between the local property tax and local property- related services. Because funds would be allocated on a per student basis statewide, revenues raised in some counties would presumably' be spent on school services in other counties. Additionally, imposition of the statewide parcel tax could deter locally sponsored parcel taxes that are targeted to meet local needs. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE: -- --- RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COM TEE---------------- APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S)- -------------- IGNATURE(S):------------ -------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ACTION OF BOARD ON �G�/f �6-O�' OTHER 9 61IF E2RE,p t� F�m; 1y anc( � wm�n $ervi'c�s C�jy� Jnr Fre VOTE OF SUPERVISORS ✓ I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A T UE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN UNANIMOUS(ABSENT AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE AYES: NOES: SHOWN. ABSENT: ABSTAIN: /� ATTESTED CONTACT: Sara Hoffinan 335-1090 JOHNCULL LERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COU ADMINISTRATOR CC: CAO Auditor-Controller BY TY . � Y July 12, 2006 To: Supervisor Kathy Long, Chair, and Members, Government Finance and Operations Policy Committee From: Jean Kinney Hurst, CSAC Legislative Representative Geoffrey Neill, CSAC Legislative Analyst Re: Proposition 88 -ACTION ITEM Recommended Action: Staff Recommends that the Government Finance and Operations Policy Committee recommend a position of "oppose" on Proposition 88 to the CSAC Board of Directors at its upcoming meeting. Background: Proposition 88 would implement, as of July 1, 2007, a statewide $50 parcel tax, administered by counties, to benefit K-12 schools. The money would be used for class size reduction; textbooks and other materials; (policing, gang-risk intervention, afterschool and intersession and development programs; facility grants for districts that don't receive state general obligation bond money, such as charter schools; and a teacher/student achievement data system to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of programs and investments. The money would be divided on a weighted per student basis. Counties' share for implementation of the parcel tax would be limited to 0.2%, or ten cents per successfully taxed parcel. Parcels owned and occupied by a senior or severely and permanently disabled person that is eligible for the homeowner's exemption would be exempt from the parcel tax, as would parcels currently exempted from property tax. The State General Fund would receive as much of the tax as necessary to offset any decrease in State personal and corporate income taxes caused by increased deductions from this assessment. It is important to note that Proposition 88 proposes to use the $50 parcel tax to fund schools on a statewide basis, removing the link between the local property tax and local property-related services. Because the funds would be allocated on a per student basis statewide, revenues raised in one county would presumably be spent on school services in another. Further, we understand from the county property tax managers that such a tax is administratively complex, as they learned from previous discussions regarding implementation of the statewide California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) parcel tax plan that was eventually abandoned by the Governor. Enclosed you will find a summa prepared by CSAC staff, a summary and fiscal analysis prepared by the Legislative Analyst's Office, and the text of the measure itself. Classroom Learning and Accountability Act Section 3: Would create the Classroom Lear ing and Accountability Fund in the State Treasury for support of K-12. $175 million for class size reduction $100 million for textbooks and other materials approved by State Board of Ed $100 million for policing, gang-risk intervention, afterschool and intersession support/development $85 million for facility grants for districts that don't get state GO bond money for construction or modernization (charter schools and academically successful school districts; this definition in statute) $10 million for teacher/student achievement data system to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of programs and investments (participation is required in statute) All above funds proportionally adjusted annually to reflect actual revenues Shall not be used to pay for administrative overhead Funds only for what's specified, shall not supplant Penalties for misuse are set by Legislature and shall include loss of credentials and fines Funds in the first three categories (not data system nor facility grants) appropriated directly on per- student basis, weighted by Legislature to account for "differential student-level costs" of achievement standards based on "disabilities, English proficiency, or socioeconomic status." Section 4: Would assess $50 on each parcel in California. - Exempt if a) owner-occupied,) b) eligible for homeowner's exemption, and c) senior or severely and permanently disabled, as defined in RevEtTax Code - Exempt if exempt from a.v. or no a.v. levied on parcel - 0.2% annual maximum to counties for implementation costs - Annual amount needed to offset any decrease in State personal and corporate income taxes caused by increased deductions from this assessment transferred to State General Fund Sections 5-14: - Appropriations limit calculations ignore this money - This money doesn't affect Prop 98 calculations or any other allocations (some of this language is put into statute) - Each year, every school district shall independently audit this money, doesn't have to be a separate audit, but post results on website (in statute) - Severability - Broadly construed - Goes into effect on July 1, 2007 LAQ nib YEARS OF SLRVTrE December 29,2005 Hon. Bill Lockyer Attorney General 1300 I Street, 17"Floor Sacramento, California 95814 Attention: Ms. Tricia Knight Initiative Coordinator Dear Attorney General Lockyer: Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005,we have reviewed the proposed initiative (File No. SA2005RF0126) entitled "The Classroom Learning and Accountability Act," version 1. Background A parcel tax is a type of property levy that taxes an individual unit of land. Typically, the tax is levied at a flat rate per parcel. California currently has no statewide parcel tax,but the State Constitution has no prohibition against such a tax. Local governments are authorized to impose parcel taxes.In recent years,parcel taxes have been approved by several school districts and used to support class size reduction, school libraries,education technology initiatives,and other education programs. Proposal Creates a Statewide$50 Parcel Tax. This measure adds a new section to the Constitution establishing a 150 tax on each real property parcel.For purposes of the measure,a "parcel" is defined as any unit of real property in the state that receives a separate tax bill for ad valorem taxes. This means most individuals and businesses currently paying property taxes would be subject to the new parcel tax. The measure exempts from the new tax any parcel owner who:resides on the parcel,is eligible for the state's existing homeowner's exemption, and is 65 years of age or older or is severely and permanently disabled. Uses Tax Proceeds to Fund Designated K-12 Education Programs.A relatively small portion of the revenue generated by the statewide parcel tax would be allocated to: (1) the state General Fund to offset the reduction in income tax revenues as a result of increased deductions related to the parcel tax and (2) counties to offset added administrative costs. The remaining revenues would be transferred to a new, 3 Hon. Bill Lockyer 2 December 29,2005 constitutionally established Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund.Of the monies deposited in this fu i d,the measure annually allocates: • $175 million for class size reduction in kindergarten through twelfth grade. • $100 million for instructional materials. • $100 million for school safety programs. • $85 million for fa Icility grants for certain academically successful school districts and charter schools that have not received funding from a state general obligation bond for construction or modernization. • $10 million for an integrated longitudinal teacher and student achievement data system. To the extent that revenues in the fund are more or less than the funding level allocated by the measure, the amounts provided for each activity would be adjusted proportionately. Allocates Some Monies Using Weighted Per Pupil Formula. The measure directs the Legislature to create a "weighted per pupil formula" for allocating class size reduction, instructional material,and school safety funding to local education agencies.A weighted-pupil formula provides differential funding amounts per student based on various student-level cost differences. The measure requires per pupil weights to reflect cost differences associated with student disabilities,English language skills,or socioeconomic status. Allocates Facility Monies using Flat Per Pupil Amount. Eligible recipients would receive $500 per student fori each student enrolled in a school that is an academically successful school (defined as a school ranked in deciles 6-10 when compared with similar schools on the Academic Performance Index). School districts are not eligible if they have received facility funding from state general obligation bonds,nor are county offices of education eligible for these funds. Because most medium to large districts have received state bond funds in recent years,most of the measure's facility funding likely would support higher performing schools that are either charter schools or from small school districts. To the extent funds are insufficient to fund all students at tlus rate;the rate is to be prorated downward. Requires Annual Independent Audit. The measure requires school districts to conduct an annual independent audit showing how they spent their Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund monies. These audits are to be reviewed by the applicable county superintendent as well as the state superintendent and posted on all the applicable district,county,and state Web sites. Hon. Bill Lockyer 3 December 29,2005 Fiscal Effects We estimate that this measure would have the following fiscal impacts: Parcel Tax Revenue.We estimate that the statewide parcel tax would raise up to $500 million annually.Approximately$30 million to $40 million of this amount would be transferred to the state to compensate for a projected loss of state income tax revenues. In addition,the measure sets aside no more than 0.2 percent(or approximately$1 million) for county administration. (Based on current county collection practices,we think this amount could be sufficient to cover administrative costs.) The remainder would be transferred to the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund. Revenue Likely Sufficient to Fund Programs at the Designated Levels. The parcel tax revenue transferred to the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund likely would be sufficient to fund the various K-12 programs at the measure's designated levels. If a discrepancy were to materialize,it likely would result in only minor proration(either upward or downward) across the various programs. Summary of Fiscal Effects This measure would have the following major fiscal impacts: • Annual revenue of up to$500 million from a new,statewide parcel tax with the revenue dedicated to specific K-12 education programs (such as class size reduction,instructional materials, school safety,and facility grants). Sincerely, Elizabeth G. Hill Legislative Analyst Michael C. Genest Director of Finance S�?�S�FDIZt� November 17,2005 VIA MESSENGER �46 NOV 18 2005 Office of the Attorney General 1300 "I" Street INITIATIVE COORDINATOR ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE Sacramento,CA 95814 Attention: Tricia Knight, Initiative Coordinator Re: 77ie Classroom Learning and Accountability Act (Version 1) Dear Ms. Knight:. Pursuant to Elections Code section 9002, 1 request that the Attorney General prepare a title and summary of version 1 of a measure entitled"The Classroom Learning and Accountability Act." The text of the measure, a check for$200.00, and the address at which I am registered to vote is enclosed. Please return a filed stamped copy of the initiative in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. Please direct all correspondence and inquiries regarding this measure to: Joan L. Cassman Steven D. Miller Hanson,Bridgett,Marcus,Vlahos &Rudy, LLP 333 Market Street, Suite 2300 San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: (415,) 777-3200 Fax: (415)541-9366 Sincerely, John 11. Adklcsson 1222332.1 1 2Ja Section 1: Title. This measure shall be known and may be cited as the Classroom Learning and Accountability Act. Section 2: Findings and Declaration of Purpose The People of the State of California find and declare that: 1. California students are falling behind,ranking among the bottom six states in reading and math. In the nation's five biggest states,only California students score below average on every national assessment of educational progress. 2. Independent research indicates that California's poor student achievement is caused,in part, by inadequate resources for public education,including low funding levels, high class sizes, inadequate facilities, and students with relatively greater needs. Education funding in California is chronically below the national average, even though California students are expected to meet some of the highest academic standards in the country. 3. California's economic and social prosperity depend on a well-educated workforce capable of competing in a global economy. 4. In order to improve student achievement, new investment is needed to reduce class sizes, provide textbooks and other instructional materials,improve campus safety, and provide facilities for high-quality public charter schools with greater parental and community involvement. 5.A parcel assessment for public schools will raise needed,funds for student achievement while protecting property owners against runaway taxes—especially seniors with fixed incomes. Parcel assessments have been approved by voters in dozens of California communities, and they are consistent with Proposition 13 of 1978. 6. New funding for public education must come with safeguards against waste and mismanagement. The entirety of the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund will be subject to oversight and annual independent audits. Annual audits will ensure that every penny goes into classrooms and student learning, where it is needed most. 7. The Legislature is expresslylpIrohibited from using money from the Fund to supplant other funding or redirect money to ofher, less critical needs. This act specifies that the Fund shall not be used to pay administrative overhead. Misuse of funds will result in criminal penalties, loss of credentials, and/or fines. 8. Money from the Fund will be used to collect information that will evaluate the effectiveness of specific educational programs and investments. Schools,researchers, and other agencies will be better able to analyze the link behveen specific investments and the impact on student achievement. 2 9. Homeowners 65 years of age or older are fully exempted from the provisions of this act. Senior Citizens will not be burdened by the creation of the Fund. 10. This act pays for itself. The Fund will improve education without.affecting any State services or programs currently supported by the State General Fund. Therefore, the People of the State of California hereby adopt the Classroom Learning and Accountability Act. Section 3: Section 6.2 is added to Article IX of the Constitution of the State of California to read-as follows: SECTION 6.2. (a)The Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury to be held in trust for the purposes set forth below and is continuously appropriated for the support of kindergarten through twelfth grade educational programs. (b) Classroom Learning and Accountability Funds shall not be used to pay for administrative overhead and shall be used for the following educational purposes only: (1) $175 million to reduce (class sizes in grades kindergarten through 12, inclusive. (2) $100 million for textbooks and other instructional materials approved by the State Board of Education as consistent with the State curriculum frameworks and academically rigorous content standards. (3) $100 million to enhance the safety and security of students, teachers, and school staff through school community policing,gang-risk intervention, afterschool and intersession student support and development, and school community violence prevention. (4) $85 million for Academic Success facility grants to any qualifying school district which has not received funding from the proceeds of a State general obligation bond for school construction or modernization. A school district receiving an Academic Success facility grant shall not be eligible for funding from the proceeds of a State general obligation bond for school construction or modernization unless the law authorizing the bond and approved by a vote of the people expressly provides such eligibility. (5) $10 million for an integrated longitudinal teacher and student achievement data system that provides a better means of evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of educational programs and investments. (c) The amounts deposited in the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund shall be used exclusively for the purposes sett forth in this section. All moneys in the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund shall be used to supplement and not supplant federal, State, or local funds used for educational programs I The Legislature shall set penalties, including loss of credentials and/or fines, for school districts, county offices of education, public charter schools,and any administrator that misuse funds appropriated and allocated pursuant to this section. (d) Funds appropriated pursuant to paragraphs (1)through(3), inclusive, of subdivision (b) shall be apportioned directly tc school districts, county offices of education, and public charter schools on a per-student basis. Using variables and data that are objective, measurable, and auditable, the Legislature shall weight the per-student allocation to account for differential 3 student-level costs associated with achieving State and federal achievement standards based on disabilities,English proficiency, or socioeconomic status. (e) The allocation of funds in subdivision (b)shall be adjusted annually on a proportional basis to reflect actual revenues received and interest earned. (f) None of the provisions of this section shall alter or affect any right to equal protection provided by this Constitution. Section 4: Section 21.5 is added to Article XIIIA of the Constitution of the State of California to read as follows: SECTION 21.5 (a)An assessment of fifty dollars($50)shall be levied on each real property parcel that is not otherwise exempt from property taxation pursuant to this Article. The assessment shall be collected annually at the same time and in the same manner as the ad valorem property tax. (b) A parcel shall be exempt from the assessment described in this section if the owner of the parcel(i)resides on the parcel, (ii) is eligible for the homeowner's exemption under subdivision(k) of Section 3 of AA icle XIII, and(iii)is either a person 65 years of age or older, or is a severely and permanently disabled person as that term is defined by the Revenue and Taxation Code. (c) For purposes of this section, "parcel"means any unit of real property in the State that receives a separate tax bill for ad valorem property taxes. Any property that is otherwise exempt from or on which is levied no ad valorem property taxes in any year shall also be exempt from the parcel tax levied b_v this section in such year. (d) Each fiscal year,the revenue generated by the assessment described in this section shall be calculated and transferred as follows: (1) No more than two tenths of one percent shall be appropriated to counties for the purpose of defraying the costs incurred in implementing.this section. (2)The amount necessary to offset any decrease in State personal and corporate income tax revenues caused by increased deductions taken as a result of the assessments described by this section shall be transferred to the State General Fund. (3) After the transfer of the amounts calculated in paragraphs(d)(1) and(2) above,the remainder, including any interest earned thereon, shall be transferred to the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund established in Section 6.2 of Article IX. Section 5: Section 14 is added to Article XII1B of the Constitution of the State of California to read as follows: SECTION 14. (a) "Appropriations subject to limitation"of each entity of government shall not include appropriations of revenue from the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund established in Section 6.2 of Article IX. No adjustment in the appropriations limit of any entity of government shall be required pursuant to Section 3 as a result of revenue being deposited in or appropriated from the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund. (b) For purposes of this article, "proceeds of taxes"shall not include the revenues derived from the taxes imposed pursuant to Section 21.5 of Article XIIIA,but shall include those revenues described in paragraph (d)(2) of Section 21.5 of Article XIIIA. 4 Section 6: Section 8.3 is added to Article XVI of the Constitution of the State of California to read as follows: SECTION 8.3 (a)With the exception of the revenue described in paragraph(d)(2) of Section 21.5 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution,revenues derived from the taxes imposed by Section 21.5 of Article XIIIA shall not be deemed to be "General Fund revenues which may be appropriated pursuant to Article XIIIB" as that phrase is used in paragraph(1) of subdivision(b) of Section 8 nor shall they be considered in the determination of"per capita General Fund revenues"as that term is used in paragraph (3) of subdivision(b) and in subdivision(e) of Section 8. (b)Funds appropriated pursuant to Section 6.2 of Article IX shall not be deemed to be part of"total allocations to school districts and community college districts from General Fund proceeds of taxes appropriated pursuant to Article XIIIB"as that phrase is used in paragraphs(2) and (3)of subdivision(b)of Section 8. Section 7: Section 14003 is added to the Education Code to read as follows: SECTION 14003. No moneys distributed from the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund shall be included in calculating and apportioning funds as provided in Sections 2558, 42238,or 56836.08. Nor shall moneys distributed from the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund be included in a school district's expenditures pursuant to Section 33128. With the exception of funds for Academia Success facility grants described in Section 52057.1, the Controller shall distribute the revenues in the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund at least twice during the fiscal year. Section 8: Section 41020.4 is added to the Education Code to read as follows: SECTION.41020.4. Each fiscal year, every school district shall provide for an annual independent audit of the moneys received from the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund. The audit may be prepared as part of any annual audit already required,but it shall show how moneys received from thelClassroom Learning and Accountability Fund were spent by category and program. The audit shall be reviewed by the applicable county superintendent of schools and the Superintendent of Public Instruction who shall, along with the school district, post the audit reports on their web sites. Section 9: Section 52057.1 is added to the Education Code to read as follows: SECTION 52057.1. (a) It is the intent of this section that facility grants for school districts be directed towards all eligible schools,including charter schools. Therefore, funds for Academic Success facility grants appropriated pursuant to paragraph (4)of subdivision(b)of Section 6.2 of Article IX of the California Constitution shall be apportioned directly to qualifying school districts as defined by this section. (b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1)A"qualifying school district"is an academically successful eligible charter school or a school district with one or more academically successful schools other than eligible charter schools. Neither a school district that is formed pursuant to Chapters 3 or 4 of Part 21 5 (commencing with Section 35500), and whose former districts received funding from the proceeds of a State general obligation bond for school construction or modernization,nor a county office of education is a"qualifying school district." (2)An "academically succeIssful school"is a school ranked in deciles 6 to 10, inclusive, on the Academic Performance Index when compared to similar schools as reported for the prior academic year by the State Board of Education. (3) An"eligible charter school"is a charter school operated and governed.by or as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, formed and organized pursuant to the applicable nonprofit public benefit corporation law,(where the majority of the certificated teachers at the school are employees of the nonprofit corporation (c)Academic Success facility grants shall be distributed to qualifying school districts at the time of the second principal apportionment in the form of general purpose funding. Subject to subdivision(d), Academic Success facility grants shall be five hundred dollars($500)per student and shall be awarded on a per student basis for each student enrolled in an academically successful school. Provided,however,that students in academically successful eligible charter schools shall not be counted in calculating the amount of any Academic Success facility grant that is distributed to a school district. (d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), if at the time of the second principal apportionment there are insufficient moneys in that portion of the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund described by paragraph(4)of subdivision(6)of Section 6.2 of Article IX of the California Constitution to provide for the per-pupil allocation specified in subdivision(c),the per-pupil allocation shall be adjusted on a proportional basis to ensure that all qualifying school districts ,receive an Academic Success facility grant in an equal amount per student. (e) Any moneys remaining in that portion of the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund described by paragraph(4)of subdivision(b) of Section 6.2 of Article IX of the California Constitution after apportionment of funds for Academic Success facility grants as required by this section, shall remain in the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund and shall be available for distribution to qualifying school districts in the following year. Section 10: Section 60901 is added to the Education Code to read as follows: SECTION 60901. Each school district shall participate in the collection and reporting of data necessary for the creation and maintenance of the State's integrated longitudinal teacher and student data system as defined by the Legislature and described in paragraph(5) of subdivision (b)of Section 6.2 of Article IXI of the California Constitution. Section 11: Section 13340 of the Government Code is amended to read as follows: SECTION 13340. (a)Except as provided in subdivision(b), on and after July 1,2006,no moneys in any fund that,by any statute other than a Budget Act, are continuously appropriated without regard to fiscal years,maybe encumbered unless the Legislature,by statute, specifies that the moneys in the fund are appropriated for encumbrance. (b) Subdivision(a) does not apply to any of the following: (1) The scheduled disbursement of any local sales and use tax proceeds to an entity of local government pursuant to Fart 1.5 (commencing with Section 7200)of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. 6 (2)The scheduled disbursement of any transactions and use tax proceeds to an entity of local government pursuant to Part I. (commencing with Section 725 1) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (3)The scheduled disbursement of any funds by a State or local agency or department that issues bonds and administers related programs for which funds are continuously appropriated as of June 30, 2006. (4)Moneys that are deposited in proprietary or fiduciary funds of the California State University and that are continuously appropriated without regard to fiscal years. (5)The scheduled disbursement of any motor vehicle license fee revenues to an entity of local goverment pursuant to the Vehicle License Fee Law(Part 5 (commencing with Section 10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code). (6)Moneys that are deposited in the Classroom Learning and Accountability Fund. Section 12: Severability The provisions of this measure are severable. If any provision of this measure or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. Section 13: Amendment This Act shall be broadly construed to accomplish its purposes. Any of the statutory provisions of this Act may be amended by a bill that complies with the single subject rule .expressed in Section 9 of Article IV of the California Constitution, and that is passed by a two- thirds vote of the Legislature and signed by the Governor, so long as such amendments are consistent with and further the intent of this Act. Section 14: Effective Date This Initiative shall go into effect on July 1, 2007.