Bond Deadline Near, Official Warns

SACRAMENTO — Acting Secretary of State Tony Miller has warned the Legislature and Gov. Pete Wilson that time is running out to approve a $1.05-billion bond issue to help pay for Northridge earthquake repair work.

The legislators must act soon, Miller said, if the bond measure backed by the governor is to be placed on the June primary election ballot.

The Feb. 22 deadline has passed for including information about the pending bond act in the regular ballot pamphlet to be sent to voters. Miller said a description of the proposed bond issue will have to be included in a supplemental pamphlet to be printed and mailed at additional cost.

The earthquake repair bond issue must pass both houses by a two-thirds majority to qualify for the June ballot.

Wilson has said he prefers bond financing for earthquake costs rather than increasing taxes to meet the state’s share of quake repairs. For the federal share, Congress approved and President Clinton signed into law an $8.6-billion earthquake aid relief package.

Miller also assigned numbers to six other measures that will be on the ballot in June. They are:

Proposition 175--Would restore the renters income tax credit of $60 for individuals and $120 for married couples filing joint returns.

Proposition 176--Would make nonprofit organizations exempt from locally imposed business license taxes and fees.

Proposition 177--Would exempt business property improvements made to increase disabled access from local property taxes.

Proposition 178--Would provide a property tax break for the installation of water conservation equipment for agricultural purposes.

Proposition 179--Would make a drive-by shooting murder conviction subject to a life imprisonment penalty.

Proposition 180--Would provide $2 billion in bond funds for the acquisition and development of parklands, historic sites, wildlife areas and forest lands.