Let the voters decide

Californians have a lot to be grateful for – our incredible parks system, diverse wildlife, and forward motion on public transit, including high-speed rail. All of this is in danger right now if the state legislature does not approve Governor Brown’s proposal for revenue generating ballot measures.

During the past several years budget cuts have threatened the state’s ability to ensure clean air and clean water, led to partial closures and a backlog of maintenance at our state parks, reduced the number of fish and game wardens who enforce hunting and fishing laws, and reduced public transit services.

Governor Brown has proposed what most Californians agree is an honest budget. Through a mix of cuts and tax extensions, the budget would address the $25 billion shortfall and put the state on a path to fiscal stability. He also has proposed a measure for the June ballot that would extend personal income, sales and vehicle license taxes at their current rates through 2015.

Putting Governor Brown’s proposal before the voters requires two-thirds majorities of both houses of the legislature. If these revenues are not put on the ballot and passed by California voters, state leaders will need to find an additional $12 billion in cuts, which could mean closure of all of the state parks, further reductions in public transit service, and other cuts to programs that protect our environment.

Email your legislator today to prevent these drastic cuts.

The governor has a very narrow window to gain legislative approval to put the tax extensions on the ballot, but a group of strongly anti-tax legislators opposes placing this choice before voters – so action is needed today.