April 30, 2009 The California Democratic Party Convention delegates voted Sunday, April 26 on how to endorse the propositions up for CA Special Election vote on May 19. They voted "no" on all propositions 1A through 1F.
Here's their reasoning:
No on Prop. 1A - Imposes a permanent spending cap based on a rolling 10 year average of revenues, extends recently approved $18 billion tax increase for five years and creates a "rainy day fund." With the passing of 1A, the spending cap on state spending would be permanent but tax increases associated with the budget deal would end in five years. The big cuts in services that would happen this year would impede new programs for education, health care and other needed state services when the economy improves. If 1A is defeated the tax increases from the budget deal will expire in two years, and a better long term solution for the budget deficit could be created.
No on Prop. 1B - Restores Prop 98 school funding formula for years after 2010 so cuts made to public education as part of this year's budget deal can be restored in future years but is dependent on state revenues increasing. It will only take effect if Prop. 1A passes. Instead of using Prop. 1A, the state legislature could directly protect education funding, so Prop. 1B would be unnecessary.
No on Prop. 1C - Borrows up to $5 billion against future increased lottery revenues to go into the general fund this year. Democratic party delegates want additional revenue not from gambling but from increasing taxes on the wealthiest citizens and corporations.
No on Prop. 1D - A "yes" vote would take Children's Services ("First 5") funding from a special tobacco tax, which was previously financed through the general fund.
No on Prop. 1E - Mental Health Funding - allows a special fund for mental health services previously passed by voters to be spent for a wider variety of health and social services currently supported primarily by the general fund. Money that would shift to the general fund by Props. 1D and 1E would cover only $1.5 billion of the $42 billion budget deficit. Instead, Democrats want new revenue sources to cover the defecit, such as an oil severance tax.
No on Prop. 1F - Prevents payment of Cost of Living salary increases to state legislators and Constitutional officers whenever the budget is in deficit. This prop. is from right wing groups pressuring Republican legislators to shrink government by starving it of revenue.
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