I just wanted to remind everyone so that they could spread the word about two propositions that are on this year's ballot.
First up is Proposition 23 that is funded by Tesoro and Valero out of Texas and seeks to suspend California's highly progressive Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).
“Climate change is going to get worse fast,” said Mark Bernstein, managing director of the USC Energy Institute. “[Students] are young enough to see that. If Prop 23 passes, in the near-term, there’ll be less opportunities for doing things that are green.”
Bernstein added that green technology is the only job industry currently expanding in the state.
“Where are the jobs going to be when you guys graduate? The only sector that is growing is green technologies,” Bernstein said. “That’s where the jobs are. And it’s only there because the government is putting it in place.”
Campus activist groups also oppose the proposition and protested at Valero gas stations across the state.
“Clean energy is our future,” said Ryan Waters, campaign coordinator of the No On Prop 23 CALPIRG chapter at USC. “We need to do everything we can to make sure California is a leader in clean energy and clean technology.”
Proponents of Proposition 23 say it will cost money to implement AB 32, which is set to start in 2012.
OK, I used to buy my gas at the Valero station in Walnut Creek. I'm going to rethink that now.
Next is Prop 26:
(Courtesey of Orange County Register Op Ed)
Proposition 26 is a poorly written and flawed measure that will have such extreme results on California that it should be rejected by all voters. Law enforcement officials and many anti-tax conservatives oppose this measure because it would harm public safety and the ordinary functions taxpayers expect from local government.
Prop. 26 would also increase the state budget deficit by $1 billion immediately and $11 billion over the next 10 years, a lasting mistake that will force deeper cuts to public safety, education and other vital services.
Prop. 26 would negatively affect a wide range of fees which currently support fire prevention and emergency medical services, law enforcement activities, courts and address public nuisances. Prop. 26 would redefine any fee that paid for a public cost or public benefit as a "tax" – forcing costly special elections each time these fees are changed or increased. Prop. 26 would handcuff our cities and counties by interfering with normal operations and damaging essential local services.
Who should pay to protect the public from hazardous waste, airline noise, or protect the coast from oil spills? I believe that the groups that generate the hazardous waste or endanger the public from their actions should pay for cleanup. Proponents of Prop. 26 believe these costs should be shifted to you, the taxpayer.
Phillip Morris put $2 million into the campaign to pass Prop. 26, with millions more from oil companies and the alcohol industry. Does anyone really think they would spend that amount of money without seeking an advantage for their own bottom line? They even made sure that current fees, like those on oil companies for oil spill cleanup, cannot be adjusted for inflation.
And what about the billion-dollar budget mistake within Prop. 26? Prop. 26 would retroactively reverse a budget decision which saved over $1 billion in the budget without costing taxpayers a dime.
If Prop. 26 passes, that huge mistake would be placed in the Constitution, costing billions annually and increasing the deficit, according to the impartial legislative analyst.
The mess that Prop. 26 would create at the local level is why hundreds of local government officials – including the California Professional Firefighters, Peace Officers Research Association of California, fire chiefs, mayors and council members – all oppose it. They recognize that Prop. 26 would push expenses onto ordinary taxpayers instead of the companies that harm our public health, safety and environment.
Virtually every major newspaper in the state opposes Prop. 26, because it goes too far and is so poorly written. Join the firefighters, paramedics, and police, the League of Women Voters, the American Lung Association and environmental groups in voting no on Prop. 26.
Stay Informed and Pass it On!
Lois
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