PRESS RELEASE:

California Young Republicans Strongly Oppose State Budget Propositions:

The GOP's youngest members issue a strong statement on upcoming ballot measures
Sacramento, California (March 23, 2009)

The California Young Republicans (CYRs) voted unanimously to oppose Propositions 1A, 1B, and1C. Measures were placed on the ballot by the California legislature as part of the budget deal worked out last month. The organization has not taken positions on Propositions 1D, 1E, or 1F.
 
Proposition 1A, the most far-reaching proposal in the package extends income, sales, and a car tax increase, enacted in February for an additional two years, and creates a "spending limit" that can be overridden in the future if taxes are increased. Proposition 1B requires additional spending for schools and community colleges in anticipation of increased tax revenues over the next few years. Proposition 1C modifies the state lottery to generate increased revenue and expands borrowing backed by expected increases in lottery revenue.

Members from the CYR State board issued the following statements regarding the above measures; "With these propositions, Sacramento is once again offering no real solutions. Legislators are increasing bureaucracy and passing the cost of bigger, less effective, government onto the California taxpayer. I am proud of the California Young Republicans for standing up for the California taxpayer and opposing Propositions 1A,1B, and 1C," stated Jenniffer Rodriguez, Chairman of the California Young Republicans.

Andy Stanley, Treasurer of the California Young Republicans stated, "As a Young Republican, I am concerned about the effects higher taxes will have on our state. Propositions 1A, B, and C would increase taxes on young workers, hurt our economy, drive businesses and jobs out of state, and further delay California's much needed reductions in state spending. Our Democrat-controlled legislature must recognize the problem is that our government spends too much, not that we the people are taxed too little. I am proud the California Young Republicans strongly oppose these propositions."

"During these trying economic times, the people we have elected to represent us in Sacramento should be taking a cue from their constituents and cutting back instead of taking more of our hard-earned dollars," said Callie Little, Southern Regional Director, for the California Young Republicans.
 
Bryan Williams, Administrative Vice Chair of the California Young Republicans stated, "California suffers from an economy depressed by over regulation and over taxation already.  The national recession has already exacerbated the ability for young professional Californians to find a good job.  If Propositions 1A, B, and C are made law, the opportunities for younger Californians will take longer to materialize.  These tax increases and the poor jobs climate will be a double-hit on those wishing to start their careers and families.  The Democrats in Sacramento must understand that increased taxes are not the remedy California needs - less taxes and less government is."

Secretary Rohit Joy mentioned, "Over many years, California has increased its budget at an unsustainable rate far greater than population growth plus inflation.  We need a true constitutional spending cap like the Gann limit that was in effect through the late 1980s, not Propositions 1A, 1B, and 1C, which increase borrowing and taxes and rely on overly optimistic revenue projections to fund future commitments.  We're simply kicking the can down the road with these propositions and will find ourselves in the exact same situation less than a year from now."