I attended the California Democratic Convention this past weekend of April 24 through 26, in Sacramento. There was much electioneering on both sides of Proposition 1A as well as several groups with a focus on each of the propositions, especially 1 B, 1D, and 1 E. Labor unions in attendance were on both sides of 1 A, particularly SEIU against and the California Teachers Association in support. The arguments against 1 A were phrased as the “Republican tyranny” and “does not fix fundamental budget problems” and “removes flexibility from the budget process.” In favor of A simply as this “will save our state from going off the cliff economically” and “will save our public services,” “without 1A ’s passage, there will be billions of cuts in public services.”

Unanimously all Democratic leaders vociferously urged a vote in support of 1 A. During the debate, there were passionate and angry speeches pro and con. The result is reflected in voting which showed that less than two thirds of the voting delegates favored Proposition 1A, with the endorsements set out below from the California Democratic Party website: at

http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.947937/k.CC3A/Home.htm

NEUTRAL — Proposition 1A State Budget. Changes California Budget Process. Limits State Spending. Increases “Rainy Day” Budget Stabilization Fund. SUPPORT — Proposition 1B Education Funding. Payment Plan.

SUPPORT — Proposition 1C Lottery Modernization Act. Issues bonds to be paid by future lottery funds.

NEUTRAL — Proposition 1D Protects Children’s Services Funding. Helps Balance State Budget.

NEUTRAL — Proposition 1E Mental Health Services Funding. Temporary Reallocation. Helps Balance State Budget.

SUPPORT — Proposition 1F Elected Officials’ Salaries. Prevents Pay Increases During Budget Deficit Years.

As of today, I decided to support Proposition 1 A and the others, actually except Proposition 1 F. I think the propositions are confusing and have decided to put some trust in the legislators that I know and trust: Senator Fran Pavley, Assemblymembers Julia Brownley and Pedro Nava, our own local representatives.

Once it happens we have to be ready to react to protect our main constituents, working people, the disabled, seniors, students, immigrants because the results will be very difficult no matter what happens.

Carmen Ramirez