31 May 2016 - Spending soars as voter initiatives reach a two-decade peak.

As California voters prepare to consider the most ballot measures in almost two decades, companies such as Merck & Co. Inc. and Pfizer Inc. and other interests have already plowed $160 million to sway the outcomes, a sum that could more than triple before the Nov. 8 election.

Proposals to cap prescription-drug costs, raise cigarette taxes, limit gun ammunition sales, legalize recreational marijuana and overturn a ban on plastic bags are among those likely to draw big-money donations. Eight have already made it on to the ballot.

“We’re expecting at least 15, maybe as high as 18, depending on what qualifies,” said Rob Stutzman, president of Sacramento-based Stutzman Public Affairs and a consultant on ballot measures. “It’s possible we can see ballot-measure spending go as high as $500 million this fall.”

For more details, go to: http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-05-31/pfizer-and-merck-join-500-million-california-ballot-stampede