Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Details on Proposition 89

We Have a Crisis of Corruption in Our Government

Lobbyists and special interests contribute millions to politicians who pass their pork barrel projects and tax loopholes – costing taxpayers like you billions.

Prop 89: Politicians Accountable to Voters Instead. Its Three Powerful Components Are:

1) Strict contribution limits

Prop 89 ends the fundraising madness with constitutional limits so regular voters aren’t drowned out by big money.

  • Bans contributions from lobbyists and state contractors
  • Limits contributions from corporations, unions, and individuals to state candidates
  • Limits corporation donations to initiatives to $10,000

2) Clean Money public financing of political campaigns

Prop 89 levels the playing field so new candidates can win on their ideas, not because of the money they raise.

  • Candidates who agree to spending limits and to take no private contributions qualify for public funding
  • $5 contributions from voters required to prove viability
  • Clean candidates receive enough to run competitive campaigns. They can't raise money beyond public funds

3) Tough disclosure and enforcement for politicians

Prop 89 stops candidates from hiding behind negative ads and punishes politicians who violate the law.

  • Makes wealthy self-funded candidates disclose the amount of personal funds they will spend
  • Publicly financed candidates must engage in debates
  • Imposes mandatory jail time and provides for removal from office of candidates who break the law.

Full details about Prop 89

Bottom line:

Prop 89 Makes Elections About Ideas Not Money

That’s why trusted groups representing your interests like AARP California, League of Women Voters of California, California Common Cause, Consumer Federation of California, Sierra Club California, the California Clean Money Campaign, and nearly 300 other organizations support Prop 89.

And why lobbyists and special interests — like big oil, drug companies, insurance firms, HMOs and some unions — don’t.