The November 2020 election includes a number of propositions and measures at the State of California and local levels that will impact the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Chrysalis staff and Board have reviewed the ballot initiatives up for a vote, and based on alignment with our mission and values, as well as our commitment to address systemic inequities, we have added official support or signed on to coalitions campaigning on the following issues:

  • SUPPORT Prop 16 
  • SUPPORT Prop 17 
  • OPPOSE Prop 20 
  • SUPPORT Measure J 

Proposition 16 – “Repeal Proposition 209 Affirmative Action Amendment”

What it will do: Proposition 16 is a constitutional amendment that would repeal Proposition 209, passed in 1996, from the California Constitution. Proposition 209 stated that discrimination and preferential treatment were prohibited in public employment, public education, and public contracting on account of a person’s or group’s race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin; thus, Proposition 209 banned the use of affirmative action involving race-based or sex-based preferences in California.

Why we are endorsing Prop 16: A wide range of individuals and organizations point to Prop 16 and its restoration of affirmative action as a critical tool for ensuring equity. We believe this proposition will address systemic inequities, helping our clients and their families and in keeping with our organizational values of equity and inclusion.

Learn More: Ballotpedia on Prop 16  |  Yes on 16  

Proposition 17 – “Voting Rights Restoration for Persons on Parole Amendment”

What it will do: Prop 17 is a constitutional amendment that would allow people on parole for felony convictions to vote in California.

Why we are endorsing Prop 17: Currently 50,000 Californians, including many of our clients, do not have the right to vote. We feel strongly that these individuals have a stake in our community and should not be punished by continuing to have their voting rights denied upon their release from incarceration. By voting yes on Prop 17, California would also be aligned with 17 other states and the District of Columbia, which allow those on parole to vote.

Learn More: Ballotpedia on Prop 17  |  Yes on 17    

Proposition 20 – “Criminal Sentencing, Parole, and DNA Collection Initiative”

What it will do: This initiative would increase criminal penalties and amend several criminal justice reforms that were passed between 2011 and 2016, including AB109, Prop 47, and Prop 57.

Why we are opposed to Prop 20:  We have seen many of our clients positively impacted by earlier criminal justice reforms, which were focused on reducing the California prison population. We know that one of the best ways to reduce recidivism is to help individuals get back in the workforce as soon as possible. Prop 20 will unnecessarily roll back important reforms, leading to increased incarceration rates and the wasting of millions of taxpayer dollars on prisons, when those funds could be better spent to support our communities.

Learn More: Ballotpedia on Prop 20  |  No on 20  

Measure J – “Re-imagine LA – Alternatives to Incarceration”

What it will do:  Measure J would allocate at least 10% of existing locally-controlled County revenues to community investment and alternatives to incarceration – things like health, housing, and jobs.

Why we are endorsing Measure J: It is often said a budget is a reflection of our values. Los Angeles County spends 42% of its budget on law enforcement. We support Los Angeles County spending at least 10% of existing resources on initiatives that build up our communities and support essential services related to housing, health, and jobs. 

Learn More: Ballotpedia on Measure J  |  Yes on J     

We encourage our supporters to learn more about these important ballot measures and to take action for our clients and our communities.