(February 10, 2004) The California Chamber of Commerce-led coalition opposing Proposition 56, the “Blank Check Initiative,” went on the air this week with ads pointing out the measure makes it easier for the Legislature to increase taxes.

Proposition 56 eliminates the current requirement that any tax be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.

Ads aired by supporters of the measure focus instead on other features of the proposition to divert attention from the fact that Proposition 56 makes it easier for Sacramento politicians to increase taxes on all Californians.

Chamber President Allan Zaremberg is urging members to look beyond the campaign rhetoric of the measure’s supporters. “Even though Proposition 56 may include some popular provisions, voters cannot ‘pick and choose’ their way through this measure,” Zaremberg said. “Ultimately a ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 56 means higher taxes for every Californian.”

The 'No on 56' ads, which are airing in major media markets, feature a woman pointing out that the two-thirds vote requirement in current law prevents legislators from increasing taxes as often as they would like, but that Proposition 56 gets rid of that law. Removal of the two-thirds vote protection makes it easier for the Legislature to approve higher taxes, such as property, sales, income, car, gas and more, the ad points out.

The warning that Proposition 56 will lead to higher taxes has been repeated throughout the state by the coalition, Californians Against Higher Taxes - No on 56.

In 2003 alone, legislators proposed nearly 100 tax and fee increases totaling close to $65 billion.

Coalition Support
In addition to the Chamber, the large, diverse coalition opposing Proposition 56 includes the California Taxpayers’ Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, California State Automobile Association, 60 Plus Association, The Seniors Coalition, National Federation of Independent Business, California Farm Bureau Federation, Nisei Farmers League, California Small Business Roundtable, Small Business Survival Committee and dozens of taxpayer organizations throughout the state.

Website
More information about Proposition 56 is available at www.noblankchecks.com.

Staff Contact: Sara Lee