(January 27, 2004) In a video clip released this week, California Chamber President Allan Zaremberg emphasizes how important it will be this March for voters to support Propositions 57 and 58, the Governor's California Recovery Plan, and oppose Proposition 56, the 'Blank Check' Initiative.

View Video Clip of Chamber President Allan Zaremberg

'California needs both Propositions 57 and 58 for a balanced budget and no more deficits,' Zaremberg says in the video e-mailed to Chamber members and posted on the website.

On the other hand, 'Proposition 56 will simply make it easier for the Legislature to raise taxes on all Californians,' he points out. 'Proposition 56 is a deceptive measure that pretends to hold politicians accountable when it actually rewards them with a blank check.'

The Chamber is also supporting the Proposition 55 bond as an essential investment in California's K-12 and higher education systems.

Zaremberg is serving as an honorary co-chair of 'Californians for a Balanced Budget – Yes on 57 and 58,' and is campaigning on behalf of Governor Schwarzenegger's California Recovery Plan, contained in Propositions 57 and 58. He is also chairing the campaign against Proposition 56, which is opposed by the largest coalition of taxpayers in state history. 

Chamber Positions on March Ballot Measures

• 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 - 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.

Noting that California has an opportunity to put the state back on the path toward fiscal responsibility this March, the Chamber is urging all members, businesses and Californians to support Propositions 55, 57 and 58, and to oppose Proposition 56.

Information on joining the coalition campaigns is available at the following links:

• Californians for a Balanced Budget – Yes on 57 and 58
• No on Proposition 56 – The Blank Check Initiative
• Support Investment in Education through Proposition 55

Staff Contact: Sara Lee