Farm Bureau endorsements reflect push for reform
» October 3, 2005 «
State's largest farm group finalizes November Voter's Guide
Building on its support for measures that improve government accountability and reform the state's political system, California's largest farm organization has endorsed the Paycheck Protection initiative on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The California Farm Bureau Federation endorsed Proposition 75, which has won support from Gov. Schwarzenegger as part of his reform agenda. Previously, the Farm Bureau announced its support for other measures comprising the governor's agenda: Proposition 74, the Put Kids First Act to reform public education; Proposition 76, the Live Within Our Means Act to reform the state budget process; and Proposition 77, the Voter Empowerment Act to reform the drawing of legislative districts.
Proposition 75 protects public employee union members from having political contributions made from their dues without their annual permission.
"For 30 years, Farm Bureau has successfully relied on voluntary contributions from its members to support its political activities," California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli said. "Government employees should have a similar, voluntary choice about whether their union dues or fees are spent on political campaigns. Proposition 75 assures them that choice."
In completing its November Voter's Guide, the Farm Bureau endorsed one of two competing ballot measures offering prescription-drug discounts for Californians. It recommends a "yes" vote on Proposition 78, the Cal Rx initiative, and urges a "no" vote on the competing measure, Proposition 79.
Farm Bureau also recommends a "no" vote on Proposition 80, which restricts consumer choice on electric service and establishes complex, inflexible energy policy. The organization made no recommendation on the remaining measure, Proposition 73, regarding a waiting period and parental notification for minors seeking abortions.
A complete list of the Farm Bureau's recommendations is included below. The Farm Bureau November Voter's Guide may also be downloaded from the organization's Web site, www.cfbf.com/.
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CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION BALLOT RECOMMENDATIONS November 2005 Special Election |
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| Proposition 73 -- Minors' Abortions | No position | Proposition 74 -- Public School Teachers | YES | Proposition 75 -- Public Employee Union Dues | YES | Proposition 76 -- State Spending Reform | YES | Proposition 77 -- Redistricting Reform | YES | Proposition 78 -- Prescription Drug Discounts (Cal Rx) | YES | Proposition 79 -- Prescription Drugs and Medi-Cal | NO | Proposition 80 -- Electricity Regulation | NO |
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 87,000 members statewide.
Contact:
Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com
Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.
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