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League of Women Voters Voting Recommendations on the Propositions for the May 19 Election

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 1A -- Restrictions on State Budget Process

Prop 1A is touted by its proponents as the way to bring stability to the state budget process. However, it would actually make it more difficult for future governors and legislatures to enact budgets that meet California’s needs and address state priorities. It would amend the state Constitution to dictate restrictions on the use of funds put into the reserve and limit how “unanticipated” revenues can be used in good years. It could lock in a reduced level of public services by not taking proper account of the state’s changing demographics and actual growth in costs. Prop 1A would also give future governors new power to make budget cuts without legislative oversight. Like the other propositions opposed by the League on this ballot, Prop 1A came from a deeply flawed process that resulted in measures written in haste and without public input or analysis. The League would support real budget reform, but we regretfully conclude that this measure would only make things worse. Most of its provisions would not take effect for two years; we should spend that time working on real budget reform.

NEUTRAL ON PROPOSITION 1B -- Education Funding. Payment Plan

This measure requires the state to make $9.3 billion in supplemental payments to K-14 education over approximately five to six years beginning in 2011-12. This funding is intended to address uncertainty about what the Proposition 98 school funding guarantee requires. The League supports full funding of public education and believes that making up for the devastating cuts of recent years must be a priority. Prop 1B is not needed, however, and even if passed by the voters, it would take effect only if Prop 1A is also passed. The legislature has the power to restore funding to education in a more straightforward way that is not tied to Prop 1A.

The DCCC is continuing their attacks against Lungren (this time with robocalls). Let's hope Bill Durston's health gets better real soon, or we find another great progressive to run against Lungren.
--Bill

DCCC Announces: 12 House Republicans Targeted in Major Grassroots Campaign
DCCC Press: www.recoveryforamerica.org

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), chaired by Congressman Chris Van Hollen, announced the DCCC is launching the third phase of the Putting Families First campaign on Tuesday targeting Republicans who opposed President Obama's economic recovery bill, the largest component of which is middle class tax cuts to 95 percent of Americans.

During this phase of the campaign, the DCCC is taking the message of middle class tax cuts and economic recovery directly to Republican Members by mounting a major grassroots campaign that includes phone calls, e-mails, and text messages directly to targeted Republicans' constituents.

Durston for Congress
February 18, 2009

I'm sending this message to let you know that I've decided to put my plans for another run for Congress on hold, at least temporarily.

A number of unexpected circumstances, including a recent relapse of an old back problem, have interfered with my plans to move forward as much as I had hoped on the 2010 congressional campaign. While I've been recuperating from my back injury, I've had a chance to talk at length with my family and closest confidants about the realities of what will be required to win in 2010. I've also heard rumors that other Democratic candidates might me interested in running for U.S. Representative in the 3rd Congressional District.

I don't want to seem faint-hearted or let my supporters down, but at this point in time, I would welcome another strong, progressive Democratic candidate stepping forward and committing to challenge Lungren in 2010.

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From October 2008, Rev. Billy visited Sacramento, CA.
The Church of Stop Shopping is an activist performance group based in New York City, led by Reverend Billy, the stage name of Bill Talen. Using the form of a revival meeting, on sidewalks and in chain stores, Reverend Billy and his gospel choir exhort consumers to abandon the products of large corporations and mass media; the group also preaches a broader message of economic justice, environmental protection, and anti-militarism, protesting sweatshops and the Iraq War. Though it continues its street theatre activities, the Church has also appeared on stage and has toured internationally.


Also an excerpt from Destined for Destiny, the unauthorized autobiography of George W. Bush, which is about 24 minutes. Later from Grateful Dead, a short excerpt from "US Blues".



Click here to download or listen to mp3 Total Duration 1:06:39.