(July 1, 2010) In recent days there have been new developments on Proposition 18. CalChamber and other members of a coalition working to gain passage of the bond believe postponing voter consideration of the measure until the 2012 election will ensure successful passage. This morning, CalChamber issued a news release explaining that it is critical that the campaign has sufficient time and resources so that voters fully understand the issues at stake and the need for the bond.
“As everyone knows, in a state as large as California, an education campaign takes time and money,” said Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of CalChamber. “Moving the vote on the water bond until 2012 makes sense because it will give us the time needed to get our message out and properly educate voters about how important an improved water infrastructure will be to California. Voter research confirms that when educated on the need and benefits to their local community and the economy, voters will support the water bond. We must have the time it will take to raise revenue and ensure that voters understand what is at stake.”
On Monday, the Governor and legislative leaders both issued statements supporting such a move in light of the specific challenges presented with the struggling economy and agree that waiting until 2012 would be the best timing for the water bond. In December 2009, the CalChamber Board of Directors voted to support the water bond because it is a vital step forward to restore and improve California’s water system. Unless action is taken, experts warn that the state will face continued water shortages, the potential for catastrophic failure of its water delivery system, and environmental collapse in areas vital to drinking water and wildlife.
"A safe and adequate water supply is just as important to the state's economic vitality as a healthy blood supply is to an individual's physical well being,” said Zaremberg. “Without the infrastructure funded through this water bond, California will suffer the same fate as a patient with a heart condition, anemia and poor circulation. Critical sectors of our economy, including agriculture and housing, will deteriorate. This bond is critical to restoring California, protecting jobs and growing our economy for generations to come.”
The $11.1 billion water bond is part of a comprehensive legislative package on water that passed the Legislature as part of a special session on November 4, 2009. The package also includes four policy bills that cover Delta governance, conservation, groundwater monitoring, water rights and illegal water diversions. The controversy surrounding water rights proved too difficult to surmount and that bill was not taken up before the special session adjourned.
Four water bonds totaling $11.6 billion have already been approved by the voters in recent years. The bonds funded mostly environmental protection, restoration and enhancement projects, basic ongoing safe drinking water programs and land acquisition. Although roughly half of Proposition 84’s $5.38 billion bond, passed by the voters in 2006, funded regional water quality projects, a very nominal amount was allocated to water supply feasibility studies.
CalChamber has appreciated the broad support the water bond has received, and will keep members posted as more is known about the status of the bond.
For more information, visit the campaign website at www.waterforca.com.