Public money for political campaigns? Prop. 4 explained

Should your tax dollars pay for political campaigns? That's a question on your California ballot right now. Here's the deal with Proposition 4. Right now, California bans public money from funding political campaigns, except in a handful of cities like Berkeley and San Francisco. Prop 4 would change that. A yes vote lets state and local governments create programs that give candidates public funds to run for office, excluding federal races. It wouldn't require them to, and the money couldn't come from education, transportation, or public safety budgets. Supporters like the California Clean Money Action Fund say it reduces the power of big money donors. They say we need to change how campaigns are financed so officials work for people, not wealthy donors. Opponents led by the California Taxpayers Association say tax dollars should go to libraries, roads, and schools, not campaign mailers. A no vote keeps the current ban in place. Your vote decides. Check your ballot and head to sacb.com for more on every proposition.