November 8, 2005 Special Election

NO ON PROPOSITION 73-- Waiting Period and Parental Notification before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy

Parents rightfully want to be involved in their teenagers' lives and all parents want what is best for their children. But good family communication can't be imposed by government. Mandatory notification laws may sound good, but in the real world, vulnerable teenagers who can't talk to their parents may resort to unsafe, illegal abortions.

NO ON PROPOSITION 74--Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal.

The League supports fair, rigorous, and effective teacher evaluation and tenure procedures. However, this measure raises questions of due process rights and may limit the use of dismissal for cause. It does nothing to encourage teachers to enter and remain in the profession.

NO ON PROPOSITION 75--Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions on Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement.

The League supports fair, even-handed campaign finance reform, but this measure is bad policy. It restricts public employee unions' use of member dues for political activity but has no similar constraint on corporations.

NO ON PROPOSITION 76--State Spending and School Funding Limits.

This constitutional amendment changes the state's spending cap, increases the governor's power to make budget cuts, and revises the Proposition 98 minimum guarantees for state support of education. It reduces flexibility to address changing needs and will cause cuts in essential services. School funding will be permanently reduced by $4 billion per year. Our system of checks and balances will be undermined by giving this and all future governors the power to make cuts unilaterally. This is not budget reform!

NO ON PROPOSITION 77--Redistricting.

California needs to reform the way legislative and congressional district lines are drawn, but this flawed measure doesn't measure up. The makeup of its redistricting panel and its neglect of communities of interest in drawing plans are bad policy. This proposal calls for an immediate redistricting that would ignore three million new Californians, and it requires a cumbersome, wasteful ratification of every set of plans by the people.

NO ON PROPOSITION 78--Discounts on Prescription Drugs.

There are two prescription drug initiatives on this ballot. Drug companies have contributed over $50 million to support Proposition 78, an inferior program that depends on their voluntary participation.

YES ON PROPOSITION 79--Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates.

Proposition 79 offers deeper drug discounts to nearly twice as many Californians as Proposition 78. It has an enforcement mechanism to hold drug companies accountable for providing discounts.

Because League positions do not cover the issues in PROP 80, Electric Service Providers. Regulation, the LWVC is remaining neutral on this initiative.

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