Plan To Split California Into Six States Gets OK To Gather Signatures
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) - Supporters of a plan to divide California into six sates can begin collecting signatures to get the proposal on the ballot.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced that the proposed ballot initiative - known as Six Californias - could move forward Tuesday.
Under the plan, from venture capitalist Tim Draper, most of the Bay Area would be considered "Silicon Valley." Napa, Sonoma and Marin Counties would become part of "North California."
Valid voter signatures are needed from 800,000 to put the measure on the ballot statewide.
Even if voters approve the plan, it would face an uphill battle in congress.
"If the federal government approves the proposed creation of six new states, all tax collections and spending by the existing State of California would end, with its assets and liabilities divided among the new states. Decisions by appointed commissioners and elected leaders would determine how taxes, public spending, and other public policies would change for the new states and their local governments," reads the summary from Bowen's office.
