Proposal To Raise Taxes Qualifies For Ballot

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California voters will get a chance to vote on competing proposals that would raise taxes as the state struggles with its budget deficit.

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen on Wednesday said both an initiative backed by Gov. Jerry Brown to raise the state sales and income taxes for some California residents and a rival initiative that would raise income taxes on nearly all Californians both qualified for the November ballot.

Both initiatives are being pitched as a way to help California's struggling schools amid a $16 billion budget gap.

Brown's proposal would also backfill the state's general fund and guarantee funding to local governments for public safety.

The rival proposal, backed by Los Angeles attorney Molly Munger, would raise income taxes on nearly all Californians on a sliding scale.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.