Barbara Boxer

Sen. Barbara Boxer Endorses Proposition 89

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer today announced her endorsement of Proposition 89, the initiative to reduce political corruption and the influence of special interests, and create a level playing field for California elections.

"I've always believed that big special interest money in politics creates a system in which people lose faith in their government. Proposition 89 addresses this problem head-on. I urge a yes vote on Proposition 89," said Boxer.

"We are proud to welcome the support of Sen. Boxer for this historic effort to reform our dysfunctional political system and ensure that the voices of regular Californians will be heard over the corrupting influence of the big insurance, oil, tobacco, drug companies and other entrenched interests and lobbyists," said Deborah Burger, RN, president of the California Nurses Association, the sponsors of the initiative.

Proposition 89 sets tough limits on how much corporations, unions or individuals can give to candidates, and bars contributions to candidates by lobbyists and government contractors.

It supports candidates who reject private fundraising with a set limit of public funds, paid for not by individuals but by a small 0.2% increase in the corporate tax rate. If politicians or lobbyists break the law, they can be fined, removed from office, or jailed.

Boxer joins a broad array of campaign finance reform and community organizations and leaders in supporting Prop. 89.

Endorsers include the League of Women Voters of California, the Sierra Club, California Common Cause, California Clean Money Campaign, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, Congress of California Seniors, and the Latino National Congreso.

Individual endorsers include U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and State Treasurer Phil Angelides, the Democratic candidate for Governor.