The November Election Affects Your Pocketbook
The Consumer Federation of California carefully considered November election items that impact our pocketbooks and California's economy. These are CFC's November 2010 Election Recommendations.
No on Prop 23 - The Dirty Energy Initiative: Two Texas oil companies are spending millions funding Prop 23 to kill California's landmark climate change law. Prop 23 protects big oil's domination of the energy market, stops clean energy job creation, and thwarts efforts to address the global warming crisis.
Yes on Prop 24 - The Tax Fairness Act: In 2008 and 2009, as state lawmakers raised sales tax and income tax rates on workers and retirees, they gave profitable big businesses nearly $2 billion in new tax cuts. Prop 24 would repeal these corporate tax loopholes, providing funds for education and public safety.
Yes on Prop 25: The California Democracy Act: The state budget is 115 days overdue, because California is one of only three states to require a two-thirds supermajority of the legislature to approve a budget. This gives a small minority the power to hold the budget hostage. Prop 25 establishes a simple majority to approve the budget, ending gridlock that causes teacher layoffs and library closures.
No on Prop 26 - The Polluter Protection Act: Big oil, tobacco, and alcohol industries are funding Prop 26. It creates a difficult two-thirds vote requirement for any fees to remedy harm caused by their business activities - sticking taxpayers with the bill for cleaning up oil spills, toxic contamination, or damage to public health. The independent Legislative Analyst says Prop 26 reduces the state general fund by a billion dollars a year, forcing additional cuts to education.
United States Senate: Barbara Boxer
Senator Boxer is a consistent voice for consumers, authoring laws protecting children from toxic chemicals, and strengthening airline passengers' rights. She was one of eight Senators to stand up to Wall Street and oppose eliminating New Deal banking regulations. If the Senate had joined in her courageous vote, America would have avoided the 2008 economic meltdown.
Insurance Commissioner: Dave Jones
Assemblyman Dave Jones won CFC's 2008 "Consumer Champion" award. Jones has a lifetime 99% pro-consumer legislative voting record. Jones authored laws that end gender discrimination in health insurance, and that strengthen automobile owners' rights to get their own estimate for body shop repairs. He is leading efforts to control unfair health insurance price hikes.
Thank you for considering these recommendations. Please remember to vote on November 2.
