KQED's Forum

Proposition 19 on California’s November ballot would amend the state’s property tax structure in multiple ways. First, it would allow homeowners who are either age 55 and older, severely disabled or lost their home to wildfire to take their existing property tax rates with them when they move multiple times. Second, it would partly clamp down on what’s known as the Lebowski Loophole, which allows people who inherit homes from their parents to keep the existing tax rate. The measure would also direct some funding to wildfire prevention efforts. We break down Prop. 19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2018, state lawmakers passed the California Consumer Privacy Act, a landmark bill aimed at  protecting consumers and their digital data. The law took effect earlier this year and allows consumers to tell companies not to sell their personal information, among other protections. Now, Proposition 24 wants to take protections even further than those outlined in the existing law. But consumer advocates are divided on the measure. While all are in favor of protecting consumer privacy, there’s disagreement over the best strategy. We'll take up the debate and unpack what a "yes" or "no" vote would mean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California's Proposition 23 on this November’s ballot would require outpatient kidney dialysis clinics to have a licensed physician on site during operating hours and to report certain medical data to government officials, among other rules. Supporters, including the Service Employees International Union, say the rules are needed to keep patients safe. But opponents say that clinics already supply relevant data to health officials and that keeping a doctor on duty is unnecessary and would be so costly that some clinics might have to close. We'll analyze the arguments for and against Proposition 23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In three days of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, Democratic senators focused on portraying Barrett as an extreme conservative and Republicans touted her credentials. Barrett, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and former law professor, spoke with ease about the constitution, case precedent and her originalist legal philosophy. She avoided questions about her legal views on issues that may face the Supreme Court such as abortion rights, the legality of the affordable care act and whether she would recuse herself from deciding conflicts around the 2020 election. We’ll discuss the confirmation hearings and the Supreme Court’s decision this week allowing the Trump Administration to stop the 2020 census count early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A measure that could shape the future of the gig economy is on the California ballot. Proposition 22 would allow app-based transportation and delivery companies such as Uber, Lyft and Instacart,to classify drivers as contractors. A no vote would mean companies would have to treat drivers as employees with minimum wages and benefits such as sick time, unemployment insurance, and healthcare as required by California state law. Gig workers are divided over the choice between flexibility and stability.  Companies supporting Prop 22  have contributed close to $185 million dollars, helping make it the most expensive ballot proposition in California history. We examine both sides of the debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Police killings of Black people have sparked nationwide calls this year for more independent oversight of police departments. In the Bay Area alone, at least five ballot measures seek to strengthen or expand the power of police commissions, independent investigations and other oversight. KQED reporter Alex Emslie joins us to review what’s being proposed, including the creation of a new agency to investigate the San Francisco sheriff’s department, and a Sonoma County effort to compel the sheriff to cooperate with independent investigations and audits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senate confirmation hearings on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett begin on Monday, over Democrats' strenuous objection that the winner of the November election should pick the nominee. Meanwhile, House leaders have resumed negotiations with the White House over an economic stimulus bill, after President Trump abruptly pulled out of talks earlier this week.  At the same time, the White House coronavirus outbreak continues to widen, and President Trump continues his steroid regimen following his hospitalization for COVID-19. We'll discuss the latest news from Washington, DC with veteran journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a prisoner or parolee in California, you are currently barred from voting. A 'yes' vote on state proposition 17 would mean amending the state's constitution to allow people on parole to vote. People serving time in state prison would still be prohibited from casting a ballot.  We'll hear about the arguments for and against Prop 17 and learn about California's history on this issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris take the stage Wednesday evening in Salt Lake City for the 2020 election's only vice presidential debate. Stakes are high for Pence after a majority of voters heavily criticized President Trump's performance last week against Joe Biden. The debate comes just days after President Trump's hospitalization for COVID-19, raising concerns that Pence could have been exposed to the virus and prompting extra safety protocols on stage. We'll review the candidates’ performances and hear your takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forum breaks down California’s Proposition 15, which would require that some commercial properties be reassessed every three years at market value.  The measure would raise property taxes on many of the state’s largest businesses, with the money going to schools and local government.  We’ll hear from both sides of the debate and take your questions on the biggest property tax change in California since prop 13 passed in 1978. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices