(October 25, 2010) On Friday the California Chamber of Commerce began airing a new “No on 19” radio ad to raise awareness of the fact that the measure does far more than just remove criminal penalties for marijuana possession – it actually creates serious consequences for employers and jobs should it become law. 

The ad began airing in Los Angeles and San Diego on October 22. 

Listen to the Radio Ad or open it in as an MP3.

According to a legal analysis prepared by CalChamber and first released in August, Proposition 19 would change the way employers are required to do business in the state. The measure would create a new class of protected workers and essentially require employers to provide extra protections for marijuana users above those provided to other employees. In addition, the measure exposes workers to increased risk of injury, jeopardizes federally funded projects and jobs, and adds more liabilities and costs to already overburdened employers. 

“The employer impacts and workplace safety concerns highlighted in CalChamber’s legal analysis have been prominently featured in the many statewide editorials opposing Proposition 19,” said Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. “We want to be sure we reinforce the facts with voters so they understand that this measure will undermine the ability of employers to ensure a safe work environment and create higher costs for those who provide and create jobs.”

The ad and several resource documents, including a recent webinar on Proposition 19 and CalChamber’s legal analysis, are available at www.calchamber.com/prop19

“The facts about Proposition 19’s employer impacts are very convincing to voters. As voters become knowledgeable about the facts, they are inclined to vote no,” said Zaremberg.

 Listen to the Radio Ad or open it in as an MP3.