Another step has been taken toward a special election this fall, as two big initiatives are now officially on the ballot-- including one of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposals for government reform.

The Secretary of State's office announced late Monday certification of the initiative to increase the length of time on the job for a teacher to get tenure from two years to five years. It would also authorize school boards to fire teachers who receive two negative performance reviews in a row. You can read it here.

The other initiative would force public employee unions to get permission every year from members before their dues could be spent on political activities. And while Schwarzenegger hasn't formally endorsed that measure, now that it's on the ballot both sides expect his political presence to play a role in what will probably be the most expensive campaign of the season. You can read it here.

If you're keeping score, that's now three initiatives on the ballot for a likely November 8th election (parental notification for a teenager's abortion was the first to qualify). Others still pending: Schwarzenegger's proposals for changing the state budget process and political redistricting; competing initiatives on affordable prescription drugs; and a plan from Democrats to reregulate the state's energy market.

Expect to hear a lot more tough talk about a special election in the next few days, especially as the deadline for the governor to formally call that election is now one week away.