MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MAY 26 - ANNUAL MEETING

Our Annual Meeting is Tuesday evening, May 26, at Sultana Restaurant in Menlo Park (1077 El Camino). Our speaker is Stanford History Professor David M. Kennedy. Noted for integrating economic and cultural analysis with social and political history in his writing and teaching, Dr. Kennedy will speak on "Are we heading for The Great Depression 2.0?" Dr. Kennedy won the Pulitzer Prize for Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945, a particularly timely book recently read and discussed by our book group.

An excellent dinner and the business meeting will follow Dr. Kennedy's talk. The cost of dinner is $35 and guests are welcome.

Registration begins at 5:45 pm. Please note there is a tear-out form in our May Voter (under Newsletters on this site) to use for reservations and dinner choice.

Deadline for reservations is May 21.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS RECOMMENDS...

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

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.

Vote NO ON PROPOSITION 1C -- Lottery-Based Borrowing

This measure makes changes in state lottery operations intended to increase its profitability and allows the state to issue $5 billion in bonds that are "securitized" by future lottery profits. The lottery would no longer be a source of revenue for education, and the state General Fund would be required to make up for the loss to education of lottery funds. League positions on long-term financing anticipate the use of bonds for capital improvements, not borrowing, and call for prudent consideration of debt levels within the budget. In light of California's poor credit rating and the state of the economy, these bonds may have to be sold at interest rates very unfavorable to the state, if indeed they can be sold at all. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office says that in the long term, lottery profits probably would not cover the higher payments to education required by Prop 1C.

Vote NO ON PROPOSITION 1D -- Diverting Children’s Services Funding

This proposition would redirect tobacco tax funds reserved for First 5 early childhood programs by Proposition 10 (passed in 1998) to the state General Fund. $608 million would be diverted in 2009-10 and $268 million a year for the following four years, creating the illusion that more revenues are available. In reality, Prop 1D raids these funds in the short term in order to pay for some services, while taking funding away from other services. It also includes unnecessary provisions, such as new county baseline funding levels unrelated to population needs. We oppose this stopgap measure.

Vote NO ON PROPOSITION 1E -- Diverting Mental Health Services Funding

For the next two years, Proposition 1E would redirect about $230 million a year from the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63 of 2004) to the state General Fund to replace state funding for an existing screening, diagnosis and treatment program. As with Prop 1D, it raids existing programs to create temporary "savings," but makes less money available for some services. It may even result in the loss of federal matching funds. The League opposes this short-sighted measure.

NO POSITION ON PROPOSITION 1F --Elected Officials’ Salaries

Because League positions do not cover the issues in Proposition 1F, "Elected Officials' Salaries. Prevents Pay Increases During Budget Deficit Years," the LWVC is taking no stand on this measure.

VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON MAY 19

VOLUNTEER NOW

As we prepare for fall elections, several committees are now being organized. Want to help? Send an email to info@lwvssm.org or call the League office at 650-325-5780 and leave your name, phone number and committee you are interested in serving on.

Speakers Bureau

The League of Women Voters provides information and training on presenting pros and cons on statewide ballot measures. League speakers present this information to local organizations in an effort to provide voters the information they need to cast an informed vote.

Voter Registration

The League of Women Voters maintains Voter Registration supplies at various public venues in the community such as post offices, libraries, etc. Volunteer to maintain a site near you.

Additionally, prior to elections, League volunteers register voters at art fairs, farmers markets, etc. Let us know if you are willing to assist registering voters.

Candidates’ Forums

The League of Women Voters sponsors Candidates’ Forums for local elections of city council members, state assembly and state senate. Opportunities to volunteer include moderating the forum, acting as time keeper, collecting written questions.

Administrative Assistant

Election season is always a busy time in the League of Women Voters office. Are you willing to volunteer an hour or two to work in the League office responding to phone requests?