(February 5, 2004) The 'No on Proposition 56' website features tools that can help employers spread the word about the need to defeat Proposition 56 on March 2.
Proposition 56 makes it easier for the Legislature to increase taxes on all Californians by reducing the legislative vote requirement to raise taxes. This central provision of the initiative is deceptively wrapped in popular ideas, such as punishing legislators for a late budget, as a diversion aimed at gaining public support.
The California Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes Proposition 56 and is leading the coalition campaign to stop the 'Blank Check' Initiative from becoming law. By giving legislators an even freer hand to pass unlimited tax increases, Proposition 56 would harm California's economy as businesses and consumers carry a heavier tax burden.
In 2003, legislators proposed nearly 100 additional tax and fee increases totaling close to $65 billion. Proposition 56 will make it easier for those Sacramento politicians to increase numerous taxes without justification or bipartisan support.
The website, www.noblankchecks.com, features resources and information that employers can use and pass along to interested parties. These resources include an online form to join the Chamber-led coalition, Californians Against Higher Taxes, and information on organizations that have pledged support in defeating Proposition 56. The site also has a simple tool for linking the visitor's own website to the 'No on 56' website.
Highlighted information, including the Proposition 56 text and an analysis of the measure's potential costs to taxpayers, are prominently featured. Links connect employers to an online letter to the editor, which can be sent to dozens of California newspapers, and several 'No on 56' e-cards to send to potential supporters.
Download Center
The website's download center provides access to printable versions of 'No on the Blank Check Initiative' signs and stickers, and many useful documents, including:
- Proposition 56 Fact Sheet;
- Q&A;
- Sample Resolution
- Legislative Analyst's Statement;
- Budget Accountability or Blank Check;
- California's High Taxes;
- Top 10 Reasons to Oppose; and
- Who Opposes Prop. 56.
The site also features links to the Secretary of State's online voter registration page and printable applications to apply for an absentee ballot. The deadline to register to vote in the March 2 election is February 17.
Through February 24, registered voters may apply for absentee ballots by mail. Forms also 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.
Stop Proposition 56
To learn more about how to stop Proposition 56, visit www.noblankchecks.com.