Proposition 12 appeared on the November 4, 2008 ballot inCalifornia. It is also known as theVeterans' Bond Act of 2008. The measure waslegislatively referred to the ballot in Senate Bill 1572. The primary sponsor of SB 1572 was Senator Mark Wyland, R-Carlsbad. The vote to place the measure on the ballot was passed unanimously in both the California state senate (39-0) and assembly (75-0).
The ballot proposition passed in November and it authorizes issuance of $900 million in bonds to create a fund to assist veterans who are purchasing farms, homes and mobile home properties.[1]
The non-partisan California Legislative Analyst's Office estimated the proposition will result in "costs of about $1.8 billion to pay off both the principal ($900 million) and interest ($856 million) on the bonds; costs paid by participating veterans. Average payment for principal and interest of about $59 million per year for 30 years."
California began the veterans' home loan programs in 1922. California voters have subsequently been asked 27 times to fund the program and have voted "yes" all 26 times, for a total of $8.4 billion in the past. The 2008 effort was the 27th time voters were asked to support the program. Prop. 12's request for $900 million is the largest request for a Cal-Vet bond.[2]
The Veterans Bond Act will help California's veterans achieve the American dream of homeownership.
Veterans who risked their lives in places like Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan will be eligible to join the more than 420,000 others who have bought a home with a CalVet loan
Loans are repaid, along with all program costs, by the loan holders at no expense to the taxpayers
There have never been any costs to the taxpayers under the previous authorizations
The program helps reinforce the housing market in California
Cal Vet loans generate thousands of housing industry-related jobs resulting in millions of dollars in annual payrolls
Yes