“The future of California’s economy and fiscal health will be determined by what voters decide on the March 2nd ballot measures,” said California Chamber President Allan Zaremberg. “The unsettled crises with our workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance system mean the road to economic recovery will be tough no matter what the outcome on March 2nd. But the path will be smoother if voters reject the deceptive approach of Proposition 56 and support the Governor’s California Recovery Plan in Propositions 57 and 58.”

The California Chamber of Commerce is strongly opposing and leading the campaign against Proposition 56, the “Blank Check Initiative” that will make it easier for the Legislature to increase taxes on all Californians.

The Chamber also is strongly supporting Propositions 57 and 58, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Recovery Plan. Both measures are essential to putting the state’s economy back on the road to recovery.

The Chamber also is supporting Proposition 55, which will provide essential investment in California’s K-12 and higher education systems. The Proposition 55 bond will help fund repair of old and outdated classrooms, as well as modernize aging college buildings so that the state’s schools, colleges and universities are better equipped to prepare students to succeed in today’s workforce.

Absentee Ballots

Today is the last day registered voters may apply for absentee ballots by mail. Forms are available on the Secretary of State’s website at www.ss.ca.gov and in the Sample Ballot. Absentee ballots must be received by the county elections office by the time the polls close at 8 p.m. on election day, March 2.

Chamber Positions
The Chamber recommends the following positions on the March propositions:

• YES on Proposition 55 — A statewide bond for kindergarten-university facilities that is a sound, fiscally responsible investment in our economy and future workforce. www.yeson55.com.
• NO on Proposition 56 — The 'blank check initiative' makes it easier to raise taxes on every single Californian. www.noblankchecks.com.
• YES on Proposition 57 —A one-time bond to pay off the state's accumulated deficit, an essential first step for California's economic recovery, which will help to foster an environment that stimulates job growth. Tied to passage of Proposition 58. www.yes57and58.org.
• YES on Proposition 58 — A balanced budget requirement that will stop the state from spending more than it takes in, which is essential for the future health of California's business climate. www.yes57and58.org.

Links to other articles and information appear on the ballot measures page at www.calchamber.com.

Staff Contact:Sara Lee