Citizens in Charge

Ballot Access News reports that California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is likely to veto Senate Bill 34. The bill, which passed an Assembly committee yesterday, would ban paying petition circulators by the signature.

Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill in 2006 saying “The prohibitions on per-signature payments will make it more difficult for grass-roots organizations to get the necessary signatures in the time allotted. As I have said before making the process more difficult may be fine for those opposed to the initiative process or those who profit from it, but it is not for everyday Californians with an idea for reform.”

Payment-per-signature bans have been struck down in five states. The proposed ban in California is one of the most restrictive ever considered.