Healthcare reform – an on-time state budget – eminent domain reform – education reform. What do all of these issues have in common? They were all sidelined by the partisan gridlock that continuously has our State Capitol in a stranglehold. It is clear that voters have grown tired of inaction in Sacramento and our ongoing budget crisis and wasteful, ineffective spending. The question becomes – what can be done to fix our political system and hold politicians accountable so that the issues facing our state can be resolved?
NFIB/CA believes that Proposition 11 is a step in the right direction. Proposition 11 will create a 14-member independent citizens commission to redraw state legislative district lines based on strict non-partisan rules. Unlike the current process, Proposition 11 will ensure that the redistricting process is open and transparent and will respect existing city and county boundaries and communities. It will exclude individuals with obvious conflicts of interest, including elected officials and their staff from serving on the commission.
Politicians are not effectively addressing the state’s budget problems or issues that impact small business owners, like education and healthcare. During the recent budget crisis, one NFIB member saw a dramatic downturn in her business that was located near the Capitol because state workers simply were not spending as they usually did. Another member who provides services to the state seriously considered packing his boxes and leaving California because he wasn’t getting paid.
With Proposition 11, legislators will have much more incentive to listen to the needs of their constituents and get things done in Sacramento. The passage of Proposition 11 will set up a fair system where voters have a voice, legislators are more in touch with the needs of their communities, and as a result, more will get done to address to pressing issues of our day.
Small business is the backbone of California’s economy, providing millions of jobs in cities and towns throughout the state. The truth is that small business owners care about reform that will help them to access affordable healthcare and provide good wages and a satisfying work environment for their employees. Unfortunately, many of the issues small businesses work to address get bogged down in Sacramento, and there isn’t much progress being made each year.
Proposition 11 will create fair election districts through a completely transparent process. There will be no more backroom deals when drawing district lines if Proposition 11 is passed. This is why Proposition 11 has such a broad base of support around the state – from business groups, to community activists and civil rights leaders, to good government groups and seniors, to police and firefighters. All of these groups support Proposition 11 because it will end a terrible conflict of interest and help to ensure that our government starts working effectively for us.
Small business owners are held accountable by their customers, employees and the community in which they do business. Isn’t it time that those who govern us are held to the same standard?