(February 2, 2004) Just one month remains before Californians vote on March ballot measures that have huge implications for the future of the state’s jobs climate.

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

“Just like an employer who has spent more than they have taken in, California needs a workout plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again and more time to pay off its accumulated debt. Propositions 57 and 58 will achieve both these goals,' said Allan Zaremberg, Chamber president and chief executive officer.

“The alternatives to not passing Propositions 57 and 58 are unacceptable — dramatically higher taxes or devastating cuts in services. Higher taxes or huge cuts will hurt our economic recovery,” Zaremberg said.

The Chamber 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.

“Proposition 56 is a deceptive measure that pretends to hold politicians accountable, when it actually rewards them with an open-ended blank check. It would give them a free hand to increase our sales, income, property taxes, and other state taxes, year after year, without justification or any bipartisan consensus,” Zaremberg said.

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 The Proposition 55 bond will help fund repair of old and outdated classrooms, as well as modernize aging college buildings so that the state’s schools, colleges and universities are better equipped to prepare students to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.

Deadlines
The deadline to register to vote in the March 2 election is February 17.

Starting today and through February 24, 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.

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.
• NO on Proposition 56 — The 'blank check initiative' makes it easier to raise taxes on every single Californian.
• 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.
• 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.

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