Measures around the country meet the ballot today
Steve Chiotakis: On this Tuesday after the first Monday in November, welcome to Election Day! And while the presidential election is about a year away, voters across the country will be making some big economic choices today.
For that let’s talk to Marketplace’s David Gura who’s in Washington with the latest. Good morning, David.
David Gura: Good morning, Steve.
Chiotakis: What are the big economic votes out there today?
Gura: There are elections for state legislatures in New Jersey, in Virginia — which is considered a swing state, or a swing commonwealth — in 2012.
And pension reform is on the ballot in San Francisco. City workers there may have to contribute more money toward their retirement. And across Minnesota, voters will decide whether to raise taxes to pay more for public education; that state had a budget shutdown a few months back.
And one of the most expensive ballot measures is in Washington, Steve, where voters are considering allowing liquor sales in more places.
Chiotakis: This is Washington state, right? Why is that on the ballot? The liquor sales?
Gura: Washington is one of eight states that still have state-run liquor stores. The Liquor Control Board sells booze. Costco wants to get in on the game. The company says if liquor sales are allowed in stores — including their big warehouses — the state will make more on taxes. Costco, I should mention, has spent $22 million on this.
And opponents are saying, “look, all this is going to do is get more people to drink.” A similar issue is on tap across the country: Georgia still prohibits selling liquor on Sundays, Steve, and voters there will get to decide if that blue law should stay on the books today as well.
Chiotakis: Marketplace’s David Gura with our round-up. David, thank you so much.
Gura: Thank you.
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