But at least some tax boosts might come into play because of the state's fiscal straits. With income and sales taxes flagging because of the bad economy, California is staring at a possible deficit this summer that state budget analysts have pegged at $14 billion or more.
Among the biggest corporate contributors to the ballot measures has been the oil and gas industry. Chevron has given $500,000, while Occidental Petroleum has contributed $250,000 and Aera Energy has donated $200,000.
In a statement, Chevron said it is committed to helping restore the fiscal health of a state where it has operated for 130 years. The propositions "will help us get through these difficult economic times and address the deficits that have hindered important programs as well as the state's economic growth and job creation," the company said.
During budget negotiations last year, Chevron and other oil and gas firms faced the possibility of a 9.9% tax on oil pumped in the state. Officials estimated that such a tax, which is imposed in Texas and many other oil-producing states, could produce more than $850 million in annual revenue for California.
Under heavy pressure from the industry, lawmakers yanked the tax from the budget proposal. Oil producers remain concerned, however, that it could be resurrected.
"Putting a nearly 10% penalty on California oil will only serve to discourage development of our own energy sources" as concern grows about oil imported from unstable foreign regimes, said Tupper Hull, a spokesman for the Western States Petroleum Assn.
Wine, beer and liquor firms also persuaded lawmakers to forgo higher taxes on alcohol products earlier this year but fear the idea could be revived this summer.
Under one plan last year, California's excise tax on alcohol would have soared 640%, rising from the current 20 cents a gallon to $1.48, according to the San Francisco-based Wine Institute. The governor's finance experts said the levy would amount to about 5 cents a drink.
"We believe in a broad-based solution as opposed to taxes targeting a particular industry," said Nancy Light, a Wine Institute spokeswoman. "We . . . already pay significant taxes."
Tobacco giant Phillip Morris -- facing a Democrat-backed legislative push to boost cigarette taxes up to $2.10 a pack -- has given $350,000.
The movie industry and sports teams have also contributed big. Universal and Disney have given $250,000 each. Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns a stake in several California teams as well as in Staples Center, gave $125,000.
The Lakers, the Clippers, the San Jose Sharks, the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics pitched in $25,000 apiece.
During the recent budget negotiations, entertainment industry lobbyists turned back an effort to broaden the state's sales tax to tickets at theaters, sports stadiums and other entertainment venues.
In a statement, AEG said its concern is that without the ballot measures California would be forced to make cuts in "critical services" and that "business in our state will come to a grinding halt for a much greater period of time."
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eric.bailey@latimes.com
