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.
Showing posts with label Supporters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Supporters. Show all posts
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Barbara Boxer
Sen. Barbara Boxer Endorses Proposition 89
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sierra Club Supports Proposition 89
SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES PROP 89
Leading Environmental Group Sees Clean Politics as Essential to Clean Environment
Leading Environmental Group Sees Clean Politics as Essential to Clean Environment
PRESS RELEASE from Clean Money Now - Yes on 89
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SAN LOUIS OBISPO –At a semi-annual weekend conference, Sierra Club California endorsed Proposition 89, an initiative on the November ballot that will enact a broad system of public financing of political campaigns for all statewide offices. The endorsement gives a vital boost to the initiative supported by the League of Women Voters, Common Cause and California Clean Money Campaign, and sponsored by the California Nurses Association.
“If you want clean air and clean water, you need clean elections,” said Bill Magavern, senior advocate for Sierra Club California. “Proposition 89 will eliminate the corrupting influence of donors who want to weaken environmental laws by shifting power back to the voters who overwhelmingly support measures to ensure a healthy, safe, and clean environment,” continued Magavern.
“We are thrilled to have the Sierra Club’s endorsement,” said Susan Lerner, executive director of California Clean Money Action Fund, one of the organizations pushing Proposition 89. “The people of California know that the Sierra Club is looking out for their right to a clean and healthy environment.”
If passed by California voters on November 7th, Proposition 89 would establish a voluntary “Clean Money” system for full public funding of election campaigns modeled upon successful programs already in place in Arizona and Maine and recently adopted by Connecticut. It is designed to level the election playing field, open up the ballot to more good candidates, and stop political corruption by making elected officials accountable to voters, not big money donors.
(Stop Political Corruption, Yes on 89, for more information on Proposition 89: www.89Now.org)
For more information about Sierra Club California: www.SierraClubCalifornia.org
Thursday, September 07, 2006
National Latino Congreso Endorses Public Campaign Financing
LOS ANGELES – By a unanimous vote the delegates of the National Latino Congreso endorsed a resolution specifically calling for public financing of election campaigns in California. In so doing, the Congreso sets the stage for millions of California Latinos to embrace Proposition 89, an initiative on the November ballot which would enact a broad system of public financing of political campaigns for all statewide offices.
The Congreso, which continues on through Saturday, marks the first comprehensive gathering of Latino leaders, organizations and elected officials since 1977. Over 2000 delegates from all across the country are expected to participate. The goal of the Congreso is to establish a long- term Latino agenda and action plan.
"The Clean Elections program in Arizona has greatly strengthened the Latino voice in the political process. It has opened the doors of democracy to allow more Latinos to run for office and has increased Latino voter turnout," said Rep. Steven Gallardo (D-Phoenix), an Arizona state legislator who has been elected to office with traditional private campaign financing and under the Arizona clean public money system.
"With a Clean Money system, each community plays a dominant role in choosing who will represent them in Sacramento. Prop. 89 will allow Latino communities to choose their leaders without a veto from wealthier communities who dole out campaign contributions," said Felipe Agredano, outreach coordinator for the California Clean Money Campaign, an organization which promotes a system of public financing of elections in California.
"Prop. 89 will allow Latino districts to more directly focus on the needs of Latinos because the people dictate the decisions, not corporate or special interests," continued Agredano.
If passed by California voters on November 7th, Proposition 89 would establish a voluntary "Clean Money" system for full public funding of election campaigns modeled upon successful programs already in place in Arizona and Maine and recently adopted by Connecticut. It is designed to level the election playing field, open up the ballot to more good candidates, and stop political corruption by making elected officials accountable to voters, not big money donors.
The National Latino Congreso is convened by a number of organizations including the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP), and the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI).
For more information on Proposition 89: www.89Now.org
For more information about the National Latino Congreso: http://latinocongreso.org
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Cruz Bustamante for Proposition 89
BUSTAMANTE ENDORSES PROP. 89 FOR CLEAN MONEY AND FAIR ELECTIONS
Lt. Governor says Prop. 89 will help lead to survival of a fair, robust and healthy government
Lt. Governor says Prop. 89 will help lead to survival of a fair, robust and healthy government
SACRAMENTO—Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante today endorsed Proposition 89, the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act of 2006, and urged voters to help defeat the special interest groups and lobbyists that have corrupted California's electoral system by voting Yes on Prop. 89 in this November's statewide election.
"California voters have lost faith in the electoral process. They understand the crisis of corruption in Sacramento, and want to do something to change it," said Bustamante. "A publicly funded electoral system would help make politicians more accountable."
Bustamante has spent his career fighting as an advocate for California voters. He actively supported Prop. 103 in 1988 despite large-scale opposition by insurance companies; he faced off with oil companies when he fought to eliminate offshore drilling projects; and he stood up to big tobacco, pushing California to join the historic multi-state lawsuit that settled in 1998.
Bustamante opposed efforts by auto insurers this year to sponsor a political attack campaign against current Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi for refusing to postpone his reform agenda.
"I have returned all campaign contributions from the insurance industry, and will not accept their campaign donations in my bid for Insurance Commissioner," said Bustamante. "Bad actors use our electoral system to pollute the efforts of good public servants like John Garamendi. I will not stand for it any longer. Prop. 89 is a good start in fixing the problem. I hope voters send a clear message to big donors by passing Prop. 89," said Bustamante."
Bustamante said he hopes voters recognize the value of Prop. 89 in bringing transparency to the inherent advantages enjoyed by billionaires seeking political office.
"Ambitious billionaires weaken our electoral system when they engage in unlimited campaign spending," said Bustamante. "Voters should be able to decide elections based on the best ideas, not who has the most money to spend.
Prop. 89 levels the playing field and makes elections fairer and more competitive by creating a Clean Money public financing system like those in other states. The initiative protects free speech and has been proven in the courts to be effective and constitutional.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Proposition 89 Gaining Support
California's two major good government organizations, the League of Women Voters of California and California Common Cause, joined a growing coalition of community-based organizations by endorsing Proposition 89.
"The League and Common Cause have actively worked to support reasonable measures including contribution limits, limits on campaign spending, partial public financing of campaigns, and better disclosure of the financing of campaigns," said Jackie Jacobberger, President of the League of Women Voters of California. "But the real solution to the runaway spending that has made California's elections a competition of money, not ideas, is public funding -- the Clean Money approach."
Proposition 89 mandates strict contribution limits, creates public financing of political campaigns and forces tough disclosure and enforcement for politicians.
"We face a serious problem with voter apathy and disgust over elections where there are no new ideas or faces," noted Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause. "A Clean Money system levels the playing field for more qualified candidates with diverse points of view and backgrounds to run."
The "Clean Money" system of public financing of elections is similar to those already adopted in Maine and Arizona, where the system has lowered overall campaign spending, freed candidates from fundraising, increased turnout, and encouraged more qualified people to run including women and minorities.
"These states have proven that Clean Money elections are constitutional and they work," said Common Cause President Chellie Pingree. "Californians are tired of pay-to-play politics and negative ad wars. Proposition 89 would go a long way toward giving citizens a louder voice and a more responsive government."
In addition, Proposition 89 has gained the support of the Consumer Federation of California.
"All too often, consumer protection legislation is defeated in Sacramento by politicians who are beholden to the big business interests that bankroll their electoral campaigns," CFC's Executive Director Richard Holober stated. "Proposition 89 would help reduce the influence of corporate campaign contributions on elected officials. It will help to decrease the use of the ballot initiative as a vehicle for big business to enact legislation, and help restore the initiative to its original purpose as an expression of the people's will."
Daily updates on the initiative campaign's progress can be found at the Proposition 89 Blog.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Four Leading Seniors Organizations Endorse Prop. 89
Adding their voices to the growing list of individuals and organizations calling for an end to pay-to-play politics, four of California's top senior advocate organizations formally endorsed Proposition 89, the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act.
The California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Congress of California Seniors, the Gray Panthers of California, and the Senior Action Network have all recently endorsed the initiative designed to establish a voluntary "Clean Money" system for full public funding of election campaigns modeled upon successful programs already in place in Arizona and Maine and recently adopted by Connecticut. Proposition 89 additionally would tighten existing campaign finance limits and disclosure requirements.
"We are old enough to see how politics has changed as the influence of money has increased. Huge campaign contributions have become political bribery and sparked political corruption. We, the citizens, are not just losing our voice, we are losing our Democracy," declared Mary Magill of the Gray Panther's Sacramento chapter. "Proposition 89 offers us hope that we can clean up the corruption in Sacramento and make sure our government works for voters, not for donors."
Hank Lacayo, president of the Congress of California Seniors proclaimed, "As consumers who often live on fixed incomes, seniors battle special interests and big corporations every day to get fair laws to protect consumers. We support Proposition 89 because it will eliminate the corrosive affect of big special interest donations and help level the legislative playing field."
Susan Lerner, executive director of the California Clean Money Action Fund, one of the main organizations supporting the initiative added, "Seniors have had enough. Like the rest of Californians, they are tired of all the scandals involving money in politics. We look forward to working with these four strong groups to pass Prop. 89 to ensure we have fair elections and an accountable government."
The California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Congress of California Seniors, the Gray Panthers of California, and the Senior Action Network have all recently endorsed the initiative designed to establish a voluntary "Clean Money" system for full public funding of election campaigns modeled upon successful programs already in place in Arizona and Maine and recently adopted by Connecticut. Proposition 89 additionally would tighten existing campaign finance limits and disclosure requirements.
"We are old enough to see how politics has changed as the influence of money has increased. Huge campaign contributions have become political bribery and sparked political corruption. We, the citizens, are not just losing our voice, we are losing our Democracy," declared Mary Magill of the Gray Panther's Sacramento chapter. "Proposition 89 offers us hope that we can clean up the corruption in Sacramento and make sure our government works for voters, not for donors."
Hank Lacayo, president of the Congress of California Seniors proclaimed, "As consumers who often live on fixed incomes, seniors battle special interests and big corporations every day to get fair laws to protect consumers. We support Proposition 89 because it will eliminate the corrosive affect of big special interest donations and help level the legislative playing field."
Susan Lerner, executive director of the California Clean Money Action Fund, one of the main organizations supporting the initiative added, "Seniors have had enough. Like the rest of Californians, they are tired of all the scandals involving money in politics. We look forward to working with these four strong groups to pass Prop. 89 to ensure we have fair elections and an accountable government."
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Proposition 89 Supporters
Statewide Organizations
California Clean Money Campaign
Non-Profit, non-partizan organization whose mission is building statewide support for public funding of election campaigns.
The legislative advocacy arm of the California Council of Churches, representing over 1.5 million church members throughout California.
Non-profit, non-partisan organization whose purpose is make public officials and public institutions accountable and responsive to citizens.
Representing over 65,000 nurses in 165 facilities throughout California. Official sponsors of Proposition 89.
Consumer Federation of California
A powerful voice that campaigns for state and federal laws that place consumer protection ahead of corporate profit.
Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
A nationally recognized consumer group fighting corrupt corporations and crooked politicians since 1985.
California Alliance for Retired Americans
Statewide organization that unites retired workers and community groups to win social and economic justice
California Black Chamber of Commerce
Business advocate assisting small and large businesses connect the donts for business growth and development.
The statewide association of Democratic Clubs and County Committees representing the grassroots of the Democratic Party
Congress of California Seniors
Statewide organization providing educational programs and information to improve the life of older adults
Empowering California's progressive community with an aspirational vision.
Environmental Caucus of the California Democratic Party
Works to assure that the California Democratic Party promotes sound environmental policies
Planning and Conservation League
Statewide coalition devoted to making California a better place to live by sponsoring environmental initiatives.
Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party
Works to assure that the California Democratic Party promotes government for the benefit of the people.
Committed to ending the undue political influence of well-funded interests on our democracy.
Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry Action Network, CA
Statewide justice ministry that serves to empower the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public arena.
National Organizations
National organization dedicated reducing the role of big special interest money in American politics.
A women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement.
An international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world.
Coalition of Asian/Pacific Island, Black, and Latino leaders working to improve the quality of life for low-income and minority communities.
Grass-roots advocacy organization devoted to organizing and empowering seniors to influence public policy.
Non-partisan watchdog committed to exposing the role of big money in politics.
William C. Velasquez Institute
Nonpartisan organization conducting research aimed at improving the level of political and economic participation in Latino and other underrepresented communities
National group established to help busy people make a difference in the world through everyday activities like talking on the phone
Regional Organizations
Individuals
California State Treasurer and Democratic Nominee for Governor
State Assemblymember. Author of AB 583, the Clean Money bill that made it farther in the legislature than any other in years.
State Senator and Democratic Nominee for Secretary of State
Mayor of San Francisco
State Senator
State Senator
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
State Assemblymember
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Former Senate Pro Tem
Mayor of La Puente
Candidate for Sweetwater Union High School District Board
Green Party Candidate for Secretary of State
Former Mayor of San Mateo
Santa Monica City Councilmember
San Francisco Board of Supervisors
President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Cleanly-elected Arizona Representative
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Phil Angelides and Proposition 89
California Nurses Association:
Angelides Endorses Proposition 89 - Says voting yes to Clean Elections is "the right thing to do"Angelide's:
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides today endorsed Proposition 89, the sweeping political reform initiative on the November ballot. Angelides made the announcement at a press conference where he was joined by leaders of the California Nurses Association, and Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, author of a bill that had sought to establish a similar reform through the legislature.
The initiative would establish tough limits on campaign contributions by corporations, unions or individuals, bar contributions by lobbyists and state contractors and establish a voluntary system of public financing of campaigns.
"I've thought a lot about this initiative, and it’s the right thing for California," Angelides said at a press conference held at CNA’s Oakland, Calif. headquarters. “It’s time in California to return to true democracy, where the power of a person’s beliefs again reigns supreme…Prop. 89 is the best shot we have at doing that. So I’m going to fight hard for this with each and every one of you."
"The special interests - big oil companies, drug companies, insurance companies, HMOs -- spend millions of dollars hoping to earn special favors like tax breaks and corporate tax loopholes," Angelides said in a statement handed out at the event. "It has become a dialing-for-dollars democracy, with the unjust influence of these special interests silencing the voices of Californians. The people of California deserve a state government worthy of their trust, one that hears the voices and attends to the needs of hard-working families, not the special interests."
CNA President Deborah Burger, RN, and CNA Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro praised Angelides for supporting Prop 89, the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act.
"You dared stick your head above the crowd," DeMoro said to Angelides. “The entrenched special interests who are against this like the status quo or they fear change.”
Hancock noted that she has worked for clean elections reform because "I know it doesn’t have to be that way. Other states have passed Clean Money and they’ve changed the way they do business. I want to thank CNA for carrying the ball down the field and qualifying this initiative in record time. Remember, Clean Money is the reform that makes all other reforms possible."
A wide range of campaign finance reform groups has already endorsed Prop. 89, including: the League of Women Voters of California, the California Clean Money Campaign, Public Campaign, Common Cause of California, and the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.
Angelides Endorses Clean Money Initiative - Democratic Nominee Urges Californians to Vote Yes on Proposition 89
SACRAMENTO, CA - California State Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Governor Phil Angelides today endorsed the Clean Money Initiative, Proposition 89 on the November ballot.
"I am proud to join the ranks of California Nurses Association, The League of Women Voters, California Common Cause and so many others in supporting Proposition 89 - the Clean Money Initiative," said Angelides who was joined by California Nurses Association President Deborah Burger and Assemblywoman Loni Hancock. "It is time for the people of California to clean up the influence of money in our government. Our government should answer to the voices of Californians, not corporate special interests."
Modeled after successful laws now in place in Arizona, Maine and other jurisdictions, Proposition 89 would provide public financing to candidates who:
* Reject private fundraising (except for a small amount of seed money) and agree to limit spending
to the amount provided by the public;
* Demonstrate broad-based public support by gathering a set number of signatures and $5 qualifying donations (from 750 - $5 contributions for an Assembly candidate to 25,000 - $5 contributions for a candidate for Governor); and
* Participate in at least one primary and two general election debates.
Nearly three years ago in his campaign for Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I will go to Sacramento and I will clean house. I don't have to take money from anybody. I have plenty of money." However, as Governor, Schwarzenegger has accepted more than $94 million in campaign contributions.
"The special interests - big oil companies, drug companies, insurance companies, HMOs - spend millions of dollars hoping to earn special favors like tax breaks and corporate tax loopholes," Angelides added. "It has become a dialing-for-dollars democracy, with the unjust influence of these special interests silencing the voices of Californians. The people of California deserve a state government worthy of their trust, one that hears the voices and attends to the needs of hard-working families, not the special interests."
Angelides has supported campaign finance reform in the past, including Assembly Bill 583, the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, authored by Assemblymember Loni Hancock.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Consumers and Prop 89
Consumer Federation of California Endorses Prop 89; Group Cites Corrosive Role of Big Business Money in Politics
The Consumer Federation of California ( http://www.consumercal.org ) endorsed Proposition 89 (the "Clean Money" Initiative), citing the increasingly corrosive role corporate campaign contributions play in shaping public policy - benefiting the narrow interests of big business to the detriment of consumers.
CFC's Executive Director Richard Holober stated, "All too often, consumer protection legislation is defeated in Sacramento by politicians who are beholden to the big business interests that bankroll their electoral campaigns. Proposition 89 would help reduce the influence of corporate campaign contributions on elected officials. It will help to decrease the use of the ballot initiative as a vehicle for big business to enact legislation, and help restore the initiative to its original purpose as an expression of the people's will."
The "Clean Money" system of public financing of elections is similar to those already adopted in Maine and Arizona. The proposed initiative would allow candidates who garner a substantial number of small contributions and agree not to accept PAC money, to receive full public financing of their campaign. States that have adopted the "Clean Money" system have seen lower overall campaign spending, candidates freed from around the clock fundraising, and increased voter turnout.
In supporting Prop 89, CFC cited two recent examples in which corporate contributions played a clear role in defeating consumer protection laws overwhelmingly supported by the public. In one such case, the telecommunication industry contributed in excess of $300,000 to the ten members of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee (Source: CA Secretary of State Website). Despite the support of 87 percent of California voters, the committee killed telephone consumer protection legislation (SB 1068, AB 2622) that would have restored the right to cancel a new cell phone contract without being subjected to outrageous cancellation fees.
Similarly, during an 18-month period in 2001 and 2002, banks, insurers and other industry opponents of financial privacy legislation contributed $8.8 million to state politicians, resulting in the killing of SB 773 (Source: San Francisco Chronicle, September 7, 2002). Corporate contributions defeated financial privacy legislation that enjoyed the support of 90 percent of California voters.
The Consumer Federation of California is a nonprofit organization, established in 1960, that advocates for consumer protection laws and regulations.
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