Citizens in Charge Foundation Applauds Governor Brown for Vetoing SB 168
Citizens in Charge Foundation just issued the following statement applauding Governor Brown for Vetoing Senate Bill 168:
Californians can thank Governor Jerry Brown for protecting their initiative and referendum rights. Today, Brown vetoed Senate Bill 168, which would have made it a crime to pay a person circulating a petition, or even offer anything of value or any incentive, based on the number of signatures gathered on a petition.
As Gov. Brown argued in his veto message, SB 168 would have make ‘productivity goals a crime’ and ‘drive up the cost of circulating ballot measures, thereby further favoring the wealthiest interests.’
This bill was about blocking use of the initiative and referendum process by citizens, not combating fraud. It would have as much as doubled the cost of a petition drive to put an issue on the ballot.
Plus, the problem of fraud was hyped. A report using records obtained from Secretary of State Debra Bowen’s office shows fraud involving initiative petitions is down 85 percent this decade. You can view the Truth in Governance report titled “Fact Checking California’s Secretary of State: An Analysis of the Evidence Presented for Senate Bill 168” here: www.CitizensInChargeFoundation.org/FactCheck
The time has come for the legislature to stop trying to strangle this democratic check on their power and start doing its job of representing the people.
Similar legislation was also vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.
Governor Brown’s veto message can be found here:
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Great job Paul! Let’s also give credit to RICHARD WINGER, of Ballot Access News for sounding the alarm and taking the time to appear before the CA Senate Committee in opposition to the original bill.
Thanks also to BRANDON HOLMES for all of his research on the F_____ word- of course I’m talking about fraud - the unfounded, exaggerated favorite word of legislators attempting to limit initiative petitions. Brandon, I was able to use your research effectively when I also appeared before the committee with Richard - and yes, I credited you and Citizens In Charge for the fine research. Unfortunately, it was not warmly received by the Senate Majority Leader sponsering the bill.
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