TOP TWENTY REASONS WHY PROPOSITION 1A IS A BAD IDEA

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is for 1A

Tying the Legislature’s hands behind its back is the wrong way to do a budget - We’ve learned that with Props 13 and 98.

In times of recession, the need for State services increases.

Californians only receive 4 years of new taxes in exchange for a permanent spending cap. Permanent cap, temporary revenues = BAD DEAL.

Allows short-term legislators to defer a real budget solution until they are gone

Proposes to fix a symptom rather than the underlying problem

True budget reform must address the structural deficit – 1A does not do this.

Constitutionally removes essential flexibility to deal with the State’s fiscal needs – prevents the Legislature and Governor from setting priorities essential to a particular time.

In financially difficult years will hold State spending at a level that is too low to guarantee adequate services and in good years restricts State from increasing revenues

Undermines our system of checks and balances by allowing the Governor to unilaterally make mid-year cuts without consulting the Legislature

Hastily drafted, behind closed doors, in secret, in the dead of night, without a single hearing or independent analysis

Dictates a shift in spending that can’t be changed, regardless of future needs

Could require cuts to public education, health care, public safety and others in good times

Will not do what it promises and instead will lead to deep cuts in service

The League of Women Voters urges a NO vote

Most observers expect painful degradation of service

Mandates a permanent spending cap

Prohibits legislators from taking full advantage of additional revenues when California comes out of the recession

Shifts responsibility for future budget decisions away from the legislature and onto invisible state employees

Does not fix fundamental budget problem - California is one of only three states requiring a two-thirds legislative majority to pass a budget. Republicans continually hijack the process!


--from Kathy Neal, Dan Wood, and Mario Juarez