Thread by @staceyabrams

The 2020 GA ballot includes 3 Constitutional Amendments (CAs). If you live in DeKalb or Atlanta, we also have issues on the ballot. I'm voting YES on all 5 questions.
1/6

1. Dedicated taxes & fees: Right now, the state can approve fees for one purpose and then use the money for other reasons. This CA requires that $$ be spent as promised. Opponents worry we could regret restrictions in a crisis. The CA has a process to access funds if needed. 2/6

2. Waives state and local sovereign immunity: When a city, county or the state passes an unconstitutional law, residents can't sue. This fixes the flaw & lawmakers can be held accountable. Some worry about the cost of litigation, but those who sue can't collect damages. 3/6

3. Referendum on charitable property: This one allows charitable property for housing to be tax exempt until purchased by a buyer. Think Habitat for Humanity. W/o it, building affordable housing is more expensive. Govt loses $ short term but can tax the sold property at FMV. 4/6

4. DeKalb ethics question: DeKalb currently has a stalemated ethics board. A YES vote will adopt a new approach to who is appointed to the board and allows the board to begin operations. Voting NO will mean that the current board remains unable to hear/oversee ethics issues. 5/6

5. Atlanta homestead exemption: As of now, if you buy a house on land owned by nonprofit land trusts, the new owner cannot qualify for the city's $30,000 homestead exemption. A YES vote will extend to them the same treatment that is enjoyed by other homeowners. 6/6

One correction: I should have said "ballot questions" rather than Constitutional amendments. Only the first 2 change the GA constitution. Item 3 is a tax issue that has to be voted on by the people. Items 4 and 5 apply to DeKalb County citizens or Atlanta citizens only. FIN