SACRAMENTO, April 26, 2009 - On Sunday, delegates to the California Democratic Party convention refused to go along with party leaders who insisted that the party endorse Propositions 1D & 1E, which raid voter-approved funds designated specifically for children's services and mental health programs.
"These votes bode well for our efforts to defeat Prop. 1D & 1E," said Dave Fratello, Campaign Manager for NO on Prop. 1D& 1E. "Polling shows that many Democratic voters are confused about these measures and think that they might do something good. It will give pause to all Democratic-leaning voters to see that the party does not support 1D or 1E."
"Today's failure of 1D & 1E among Democrats shows that information and discussion are the enemies of these measures," Fratello said. "If we can get the word out farther and wider, we can win."
Just prior to the convention, the No on Prop. 1D & 1E campaign distributed a joint letter to delegates urging opposition. The letter was signed by Rob Reiner, the actor, director and children's advocate; Jack O'Connell, the current Superintendent of Public Instruction; Delaine Eastin, former Superintendent of Public Instruction; the California Nurses Association; and the California Federation of Teachers.
California Democratic Party requires a 60 percent vote of delegates to endorse a ballot measure; both 1D & 1E fell far short, splitting delegates almost evenly - 52 percent for Prop. 1D, and 50.1 percent for Prop. 1E.
Proposition 1D will divert $268 million a year for the next five years from voter-approved children's programs (Prop. 10 of 1998); and Proposition 1E will raid $230 million a year for the next two years from voter-approved mental health programs (Prop. 63 of 2004). Together, these programs provide little in terms of a budget solution, but the negative impact they'll have on children's and mental health programs will be devastating and have long-term consequences that will cost California taxpayers more.
For more information about Prop. 1D & 1E, visit www.NoProp1D1E.com.
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