We are a little over a month away from a typical California election with lots of ballot propositions and some that are hard to decipher (like #31). But one Proposition is clear and critical to righting the ship that is California. Recall my comments about Gloria Romero's brave statements here–well this is how her point of view can become reality.
Proposition 32 goes to the heart of the money trail that leads to Sacramento by changing the union payroll deduction process to be voluntary. What could be more fair than that? Voluntary.
The Yes on 32 website states
The measure prohibits unions, corporations, government contractors, and state and local government employers from spending money deducted from an employee’s paycheck for “political purposes.” Under the measure, this term would include political contributions, independent expenditures, member communications related to campaigns, and other 33 expenditures to influence voters. This measure would not affect unions’ existing authority to use payroll deductions to pay for other activities, including collective bargaining and political spending in federal campaigns.
The other way to put it is union members would have the right to opt out of having their paychecks docked for lobbying that they may not agree with or want to fund even if they do agree.
Remember what Deep Throat said to Bob Woodward in All The President's Men: "Follow the money". We are a half trillion in the hole on pension funding with no changes in sight, we are being asked to raise income tax rates while companies leave the state in droves, and student test scores are not improving but the tracking mechanism is being watered down.
It's time to change how things work in Sac. Vote yes on 32…for you, me and everyone.
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