Now that people have their ballots for the Nov. 4 General Election in hand, they are finding not only candidates for office but also a handful of propositions to consider.

Prop 122

Proposition 122 is a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution placed on the ballot by the Legislature. It allows state residents or lawmakers to reject federal actions deemed unconstitutional.

The proposition specifically recognizes the U.S. Constitution as the “supreme law of the land.”

However, the proposition provides “to protect the people’s freedom and preserve the checks and balances of the (U.S. Constitution), this state may exercise its sovereign authority to restrict the actions of its personnel and the use of its financial resources to purposes that are consistent with the Constitution by doing the following:

*Passing an initiative or referendum refusing to use state resources to implement unfunded federal mandates.

“If the people or their representatives exercise their authority pursuant to this section, this state and all political subdivisions of this state are prohibited from using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer or cooperate with the designated federal action or program.”

This is similar in effect to a state sovereignty proposition that was soundly defeated in the 2012 election.

The proposition is supported by small government conservative groups and individuals. It is proposed as a method to stop federal government overreach requiring local government to pay for may programs.

Proposition 122 is generally opposed by environmental and conservation groups who see it as stripping away clean air, clean water and wildlife protection regulations.

Prop 303

Proposition 303 is a proposal being referred to voters by the Legislature. It relates to the use of investigational drugs, biological products or devices before FDA approval. It is referred to as the “terminal patients’ right to try act.”

The law allows manufacturers of drugs or medical devices not yet approved by the federal government to make such items available to anyone who has a terminal illness, as determined eligible by the law.

The proposed law does not require such manufacturers to make such treatments available. It also does not require insurance companies to cover costs for patients.

The manufacturer can require that the patient participate in any data collection related to the use of the drug. The company may also charge the patient for the drugs or devices.

One supporter of the proposition stated, “It gives people the opportunity to make their own choice, the choice to try investigational treatments that may save their life.”

There were no arguments in opposition to Proposition 303.

Prop 304

Proposition 304 is the perennial proposal for a legislative pay raise.

The proposal is presented as a recommendation from the Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers. The proposal calls for Arizona State Legislators to receive a salary increase from the current $24,000 per year to $35,000 per year.

The recommendation notes that the last pay raise for legislators was in 1998.

County Health

The Maricopa Integrated Health Systems of the Maricopa County Special Health Care District is proposing a $935 million bond issue for capital improvements and maintenance to facilities within the district.

The proposal includes the construction of a new teaching hospital at the Maricopa Medical Center, a Level One Trauma Center and the Arizona Burn Center.

The bonds would be issued in one or more series maturing over 30 years from the date of issue.

The tax impact for a $250,000 residential home is estimated at $37.09 per year over 28 years.

A commercial property valued at $1 million would have an estimated tax of $267 per year over 28 years.

Agriculture and vacant property with a value of $100,000 is estimated to be $22.26 per year in taxes.

The bond is supported by emergency medical responders, health care providers and civic organizations.

One individual arguing against the bond proposal suggests that the county healthcare structure is no longer needed and advocates dismantling it rather than rebuilding and improving.

The Secretary of State’s Office has sent registered voter households with a General Election Guide that describes in further detail the ballot propositions. This information is available on line at azsos.gov.

Maricopa Integrated Health Systems has distributed an information pamphlet of the Healthcare District bond proposal. Additional and detailed information is also available at www.mihs.org/bond.