2012 President‘s Club Members

ISSUE 11

Business Todaythe official publication of the pittsburg chamber of commerce

Dow Chemical Ramar foods international Wells fargo bank2012 Partners

VOLUME 45 November 2012

Pittsburg searching for new chief..............................................2

Mechanics Bank

New Discrimination laws........................2

2012 Ballot Measures..............................Insert 1 & 2Vote...............................................................4

Pittsburg Police Chief Aaron Baker.

Dow Chemical holds yearly emergency exercise drill

Pittsburg searching for new police chief

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Contra Costa transportation leaders are looking to shed East County's "cul-de-sac" mentality once and for all.

Two New Discrimination Laws Mean Changes for Policies, PostersEmployers will need to change notices, postings and employee handbook policies related to discrimination and harassment prevention to re�ect two recently signed bills, AB 1964 and AB 2386.

Studies continue on TriLink project to connect East Contra Costa and Tracy area

The city is seeking a new top cop, now that longtime police Chief Aaron Baker is leaving the post. “I'm retiring," Baker said Thursday October 18, 2012.

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As work continues to widen Highway 4 through Antioch and into Brentwood, studies have begun for a long-sought freeway that would connect the region to the San Joaquin Valley. Most agree there is a travel gap caused by having only two-lane country roads to the east, and that a freeway would make the region more economically viable.

ALERTCalChamber

The city has launched a recruitment e�ort to �nd his replacement, with an application deadline of Nov 19. The city is o�ering a salary range of $140,724 to $179,600, according to an online posting on the website of the California Police Chiefs Association.

It's an annual emergency operations drill that provides dozens of �re�ghters and other �rst-responders with the opportunity to practice lifesaving skills in the massive industrial environment of the Dow Chemical plant.

Fire�ghters from Contra Costa Fire, lower down an injured worker from the top of chemical tank with a gas leak, at the Dow Chemical Plant in Pittsburg,during the annual community awareness and emergency response drill at the Dow chemical site in Pittsburg, Calif., on Tuesday Oct. 9, 2012.

Business Today Page 2

Pittsburg searching for new police chief

Employers will need to change notices, postings and employee handbook policies related to discrimination and harassment prevention to re�ect two recently signed bills, AB 1964 and AB 2386.

Baker, 60, who joined the department in 1976 and was named chief in 1998, expects that a new chief will be in place by the end of the year or early 2013.

"That's the general timeline for it, but I've agreed to stick around as long as it takes to get the new person on board. It's been a very ful�lling job for me. It's been more than a job, it's been a great career," Baker said.

Baker o�cially retired in 2008, but under provisions of the California State Public Employees Retirement System, he has continued to work slightly less than half time, which has translated into a base salary of $81,771 in 2011, while also drawing a retirement pension.

"It was always meant to be temporary," he said.

A state law aimed at public pensions contributed to Baker's decision to retire, said Mayor Ben Johnson.

One of the provisions of the law, which goes into e�ect Jan. 1, sets limits on post-retirement employment that reduces retirement bene�ts once that threshold is reached.

Baker's tenure as chief has coincided with a drop in the city's reported crime rate.

"We have a chief of police who is very e�ective. If it was my choice, I would keep him here," Johnson said.

Johnson said the choice of hiring the police chief rests with City Manager Joe Sbranti.

"We'll look at everything and give him our input," Johnson said.

Baker plans to do some traveling in his retirement years, but don't look for him on a cruise ship.

"I'll do what retired people do, but I'm not a great shu�eboard player," he said.

Religious Dress/GroomingAB 1964 amends Government Code sections 12926 and 12940 and clari�es that the Fair Employment and Housing Act’s (FEHA) discrimination protections and reasonable accommodation requirements cover religious dress practices and religious grooming practices.As stated in the analysis of the bill, the intent is to “provide clarity and ensure that all religions receive equal protection under the law.” The added language states:1. “Religious dress practice” is construed broadly to include the wearing or carrying of religious clothing, head or face coverings, jewelry, artifacts and any other item that is part of the observance by an individual of his or her religious creed.2. “Religious grooming practice” is also to be construed broadly and includes all forms of head, facial and body hair that are part of the observance by an individual of his or her religious creed.Importantly, the law speci�es that an accommodation is “not reasonable” if the accommodation requires segregation of the individual from other employees or the public.

Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations unless an accommodation is an undue hardship. The amended statute clari�es that the “undue hardship” de�nition that applies to other types of discrimination, also applies to religious discrimination.

Breast FeedingAB 2386 amends California Government Code Section 12926 and makes it clear that breast feeding is protected by law and discrimination on that basis is illegal.

The new legislation was enacted, in part, to re�ect a decision by the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (FEHC) in 2009 in which an employee was terminated because she was nursing her baby during her lunchtime break.

The FEHC’s decision was designated as having precedential authority, thus such discrimination is a violation of FEHA. The amended Government Code de�nition of “sex” includes, but is not limited to:1. Pregnancy or medical conditions related to pregnancy.2. Childbirth or medical conditions related to childbirth.3. Breastfeeding or medical conditions related to childbirthThe rest of the de�nition of “sex” remains unchanged: “Sex” also includes a person’s gender. “Gender” means sex, and includes a person’s gender identity and gender expression. “Gender expression” means a person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth.

Two New Discrimination Laws Mean Changes for Policies, Posters

By Eve MitchelleContra Costa Times

Monthly Q&A Technology Tipshow to get the best from your technology...

Coffee & Commerce

Studies continue on TriLink project toconnect East Contra Costa and Tracy area

POWs on the Bataan Death March. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Business Today Page 3

Though there is no set route yet, the 20-mile stretch of Highway 239 would run from about Highway 4 south of Brentwood to Interstates 205 and 580 near Tracy.

I always recommend a Mac for ease of use, longevity of your investment, and the general attractiveness of the hardware. Macs are also less susceptible to viruses and other malware, but a Window's based PC is becoming more compelling, especially with the release of Windows 8. Many people do not like the change to their new tile-based interface, and want to stick with older Windows software. But lets all remember that the reason Mac's are so "trendy" is because they evolve faster over time, and

I need a new computer. Should I buy a Mac or a PC?

Q:

A:

their users are typically in tune with that evolution. Window's is now evolving, and the consumer can have a major chance to jump in and experience what is really revolutionary Windows technology without paying the Apple premium. The most important thing to consider is to buy what you are most comfortable with for your budget , but also remember that - especially in technology, you always get what you pay for.

Interested in Working in the Construction Industry and Learning Green Trade Skills?

Training Program Runs: January 7 through April 30, 2013

· Are you at least 17 years of age?

· Have a high school diploma, GED Certi�cate or need one?

· Live in one of the following East Contra Costa County cities: Pittsburg, Oakley,Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, or Knightsen,

Then this is the program for you!

Future Build utilizes PACT (Pre-Apprenticeship Certi�cate Training) Program designed by Home Builders Institute. PACT has been recognized by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Housing and Urban Develop-ment as an outstanding tool to prepare workers for the construction industry. PACT integrates work-based learning with vocational and academic skills training. Successful graduates will show pro�ciency in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting & �nishing, brick masonry, facilities maintenance, landscaping, weatherization, green building and solar.

Future Build is an equal opportunity training program FUTURE BUILD ORIENTATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012 3:00-5:00 P.M. 329 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA For additional info call: Merl Craft at 925-522-2970 Or email openopportunties@ymail.com

Future Build Program

PJ is an executive board member for the Chamber and VP of Marketing for Ramar Foods. Follow him on Twitter @foodtechlife

"With the progress being made on widening Highway 4 and areas like Mountain House starting to grow again, it makes sense to start looking at it," said Jim Frazier, a Contra Costa Transportation Authority board member and an Oakley councilman.The county agency took control of studying the TriLink project earlier this year. Its role is to bring all concerned parties in Alameda, Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties to the table and move plans ahead quickly, said county Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho, of Discovery Bay.

Highway 239 was �rst identi�ed more than 50 years ago and approved by the state Legislature, but studies have been in the slow lane. Contra Costa County was granted $14 million in federal earmarks for its planning in 2005, but it did notreceive Caltrans approval to access the money until January 2010.

"We don't want the studies lingering out here for years on end," she said.

About $2.9 million of that federal money is to study the project and choose a preferred alignment.

Much of the focus in East Contra Costa transportation the past decade has been on connecting the region to the West, including

widening Highway 4, building the Highway 4 bypass and eBART.Now, o�cials say it's time to start looking Eastward.Highway 239 would help create jobs and bring businesses to East Contra Costa, while reducing tra�c congestion on Highway 4 and Interstates 580 and 680, Piepho said.

"It's a critical component to our road infrastructure," she said. Consulting �rm Parsons Transportation Group was hired last year to study the "lay of the land" and identify ways to improve travel in the area, said Martin Englemann, the Contra Costa Transportation Agency's deputy director of planning.Options for the route include improving existing roads, adding more roads in the area or adding a full-�edged highway with eBART in the median. "We're really looking at everything possible," Englemann said.

The cost of possible improvements would range from $20 million to $200 million, depending on which option is chosen, he said. Four oversight groups will vet the �ndings of the study and ultimately decide how to proceed-elected o�cials, city and county administrators, sta� from various transportation agencies and nongovernment stakeholder groups.Stuart Cohen, executive director of TransForm, a Bay Area transit advocacy nonpro�t, cautions that widening two-lane Byron Highway could shift more tra�c to the area and make it similar to Livermore or Fair�eld, where tra�c is gridlocked through those communities."There's a misunderstanding sometimes when looking at widening roads. It can't be looked at in isolation," Cohen said. He's hopeful the studies will o�er a thorough and honest evaluation.By Paul Burgarino Contra Costa Times

Business Starts Here

Business Today Page 4

Dow Chemical holds yearlyemergency exercise drill

SCORE BusinessSmall Business CounselingBy appointment only

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This year, the drill scenario that unfolded over an hour and 45 minutes on Tuesday involved the "rescue" of two workers-actually mannequins-overcome from the accidental release of a hydrochloric acid vapor cloud from a chemical tank used in the production of agricultural pesticides. By the time the drill was over, one was "dead" while the "survivor" was transported by helicopter to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce

985 Railroad Ave.Pittsburg, CA.

94565(925)432-7301

NewsletterMonica Couture

Pittsburg Chamberof Commerce

monica@pittsburgchamber.org

There used to be an old saying, “Get out and vote. Vote early and vote often.” Now in many places you can vote early. This makes voting very, very easy. You pick your day, your weather, your time, and your place. No excuses like, “I couldn’t make it.” I would not recommend voting often, it might get you trouble.

As the whole, Americans are very derelict when it comes to voting. On the high side; only about two thirds of those eligible to vote register to vote and only a little better than half of those registered actually vote. We elect our elected officials with only one third to half of all eligible voters taking part in the process. This is exceedingly sad.

Personally, my observation is that those who don’t vote are generally those that complain most about our elected officials, and our governmental system.

I for one appreciate those who run for office. It is not easy to put your name out to run. No one likes to lose. Even if we do not agree with a candidate’s views we should respect them for their intent to serve and accepting the challenge to run for office.

So vote. Study the issues. Get to know your candidates views and then go out and vote. It is really pretty easy.

If you don’t vote, don’t complain; not voting is the dumbest vote of all!

Harry YorkHarry YorkCEO

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Chamber MixerFuntional Fitness440 Railroad Ave.5:30pm-7:00pm

Coincidentally, first-responders responding to a real emergency-an accident in front of Turner Elementary School in Antioch involving a speeding car that seriously injured two women-delayed the start of Tuesday's exercise for an hour until 10 a.m.

"That's why preparation is essential. Your resources are going to be very scarce," in a real-life situation when another emergency occurs at the same time, said Lonnie Karste, an Antioch resident and member of Dow's Community Advisory Panel who observed the drill.Once the drill got under way, Dow's in-house fire department arrived at the scene, spraying water on the tank to knock down the imaginary vapor cloud caused by the imaginary leak. A mannequin dangled from a safety harness that had caught on a railing near the top of the tank while the other mannequin was prone on the platform.

"We're on the site. It's going to take a few minutes for ConFire to get here," explained Randy Fischback, Dow's director of public and government affairs. But before the rescue began, the leak was sealed."You can't put people in harm's way," said Fischback, adding in a drill scenario a rescue tends to unfold slower than during an actual rescue to give participants time to practice their skills.

Andrew Laiho, a production unit leader at Dow, watched the operation unfold as some of his crew members who are cross-trained to work with Dow firefighters helped out.

"This is an interesting drill. We've got an obstruction scenario, which is what you could have in real life, " said Laiho, referring to some ongoing construction work in the area he supervises. "We try to develop as realistic a situation as we can," he said.

At a post-drill debriefing, participants discussed lessons learned and what could be done to make improvements. For example, authorities suggested that a decontamination area could have been set up closer to the rescue site and it would be better to have a helicopter landing area in

Steve Laren, safety officer at Delta Diablo Sanitation District, attended as an observer.

"We're trying to ramp up our emergency operations," he said. "Dow's been doing this for awhile and we think we can learn from them."

For advertising opportunities contact us at

(925) 432-7301

Chamber BoardPlanning Confrence

Chamber Staff Seminar

Harry’s Corner November 2012 Calendar of events

New MembersVentana Rental Homes

110 Dias CirclePittsburg, Ca. 94565

925-252-9330www.LiveAtVentana.com

Ionized Kangen Water120 Village Squareorinda, Ca. 94563

510-755-8500

Business Today Insert 1

Following are brief summaries of the measures that will appear on the November ballot. When the California Chamber of Commerce has taken a position, the reasons for that position are summarized. The CalChamber encourages employers to share this information with their employees. Businesses are within their rights to do so—just remember: NO PAYCHECK STUFFERS, no coercion, no rewarding or punishing employees (or threatening to do so) for their political activities or beliefs. For more guidelines on political communications to employees, see the brochure at www.calchamber.com/ guidelines. Note the distinction between internal communications (to employees, stockholders, and their families) and communications to external audiences (such as non-stockholder retirees, outside vendors, customers and passersby). For more information on the ballot measures, see the link listed below or visit the website of the secretary of state at www.sos.ca.gov.

Proposition 30 Temporary Taxes to Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. No PositionIncreases taxes on earnings over $250,000 for seven years and sales taxes by ¼ cent for four years, to fund schools. Allocates temporary tax revenues 89% to K–12 schools and 11% to community colleges. Bars use of funds for administrative costs, but provides local school governing board’s discretion to decide, in open meetings and subject to annual audit, how funds are to be spent. Guarantees public safety realignment funding. Ballot Arguments For:After years of cuts, California’s public schools, universities and public safety services are at the breaking point. It’s time to take a stand and get California back on track Proposition 30 balances the budget and helps pay down California’s debt. Proposition 30 temporarily increases personal income taxes on the highest earners—couples with incomes over $500,000 a year—and establishes the sales tax at a rate lower than it was last year. The initiative cannot be modi�ed without a vote of the people. Money goes into a special account the Legislature can’t touch. The proposition provides for mandatory audits.More Information: www.YesOnProp30.com Ballot Arguments Against:Proposition 30 is just a $50 billion political “shell game” but doesn’t guarantee new funds for schools. Instead of providing new funding for schools, politicians can take existing money for schools, use it for other purposes and then replace it with the money from the new taxes. There are no require-ments or assurances that any more money actually gets to the classroom and nothing in Proposition 30 reforms the education system to cut waste, eliminate bureaucracy or cut administrative overhead. The politicians and special interests behind Proposition 30 want to raise taxes to pay for their out-of-control spending, but refuse to pass meaningful pension or budget reforms.More Information: www.StopProp30.com

Proposition 31 State Budget. State and Local Government. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. SupportEstablishes two-year state budget. Prohibits Legislature from creating expenditures of more than $25 million unless o�setting revenues or spending cuts are identi�ed. Permits Governor to cut budget unilaterally during declared �scal emergencies if Legislature fails to act. Requires performance reviews of all state programs; performance goals in state and local budgets; and publication of bills at least three days before legislative vote. Allows local governments to alter how laws governing state-funded programs apply, unless Legislature or state agency vetoes change within 60 days.Reasons for Position:Pay-as-you-go budgeting will serve as a de facto government spending limit and may somewhat reduce pressure to increase taxes. Policy, program and �scal decisions by state and local government will be driven by performance data on what is working, what isn’t and an awareness of the long-term �scal impact of alternative approaches. Californians will have more opportunities to inform decisions a�ecting their communities, more information about the

and may somewhat reduce pressure to increase taxes. Policy, program and �scal decisions by state and local government will be driven by performance data on what is working, what isn’t and an awareness of the long-term �scal impact of alternative approaches. Californians will have more opportunities to inform decisions a�ecting their communities, more information about the job performance of their elected representatives and the opportunity to see results where they live. Two-year budgets and focus on accountability would reduce the perennial uncertainty of the state’s current short term budget making practices. Local governments will gain control over local priorities and �exibility to design services that improve results and meet local needs.More Information: www.accountableca.org

Proposition 32 Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction. Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute. No PositionProhibits unions from using payroll deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use prohibition to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Permits voluntary employee contributions to employer sponsored committee or union if authorized yearly in writing. Prohibits unions and corporations from contributing to candidates and their committees. Other political expenditures remain unrestricted, including corporate expenditures from available resources not limited by payroll deduction prohibition. Prohibits government contractor contribu-tions to elected o�cers or their committees.Ballot Arguments For:Proposition 32 cuts the money tie between special interests and politicians to the full extent allowed by the U.S. Constitution. No exemptions. No loopholes. The measure bans corporate and union contributions to politicians, and stops contractors from giving to politicians who approve their contracts. Proposition 32 makes political contributions voluntary and prohibits money for political purposes from being deducted from employees’ paychecks.More Information: www.yesprop32.comBallot Arguments Against:Proposition 32 will not take money out of politics. Business Super PACs and indepen-dent expenditure committees are exempt from the proposition’s controls. The measure is not real campaign �nance reform. It is unbalanced and unfair. Corporations don’t use payroll deductions for political giving and would still be allowed to use their pro�ts to in�uence elections. The League of Women Voters opposes Proposition 32.More Information: www.VoteNoOn32.com

Proposition 33 Auto Insurance Companies. Prices Based on Driver’s History of Insurance Coverage. Initiative Statute. No PositionChanges current law to allow insurance companies to set prices based on whether the driver previously carried auto insurance with any insurance company. Allows proportional discount for drivers with some prior coverage. Allows increased cost for drivers without history of continuous coverage. Treats lapse as continuous coverage if due to military service or loss of employment, or if less than 90 days.Ballot Arguments For:Californians who maintain continuous automobile insurance are eligible for a discount, but lose it if they switch insurance companies. Proposition 33 o�ers the discount for consumers who maintain automobile insurance with any company, allowing them to shop for a better deal. Proposition 33 encourages uninsured drivers to obtain insurance by making it easier to earn the continuous coverage discount. The proposition also protects the discount for active military. Proposition 33 will result in more competition between insurance companies and better insurance rates.More Information: www.yesprop33.comBallot Arguments Against:Proposition 33 is another deceptive trick to raise auto insurance rates. It is funded largely by an insurance company executive. A similar initiative was defeated in 2010. Proposition 33 will allow insurers to charge higher rates to customers with perfect driving records just because they did not purchase coverage at some point in the past �ve years. The continuous coverage discount will result in a surcharge for many California drivers. The proposition will discourage people from buying insurance, which may add to the number of uninsured motorists and ultimately drive up the cost of coverage. More Information: www.StopProp33.org

Overview of November 2012 Ballot Measuresas prepared by the Calchamber and sent to you by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce

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Business Today Insert 2

Proposition 34 Death Penalty. Initiative Statute. No PositionRepeals death penalty and replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Applies retroactively to existing death sentences. States that persons found guilty of murder must work while in prison. Directs $100 million to law enforcement agencies for investigating homicides and rape cases.Ballot Arguments For:Evidence shows more than 100 innocent people have been sentenced to death in the U.S. and some have been executed. Proposition 34 means we will never execute an innocent person in California. California’s death penalty is too costly and beyond repair. Proposition 34 saves tax dollars and directs $100 million for more DNA testing, crime labs and other tools that help cops solve rapes and murders. Life without possibility of parole works.More Information: www.YesOn34.orgBallot Arguments Against:Abolishing the death penalty costs taxpayers $100 million over the next four years and many millions more in the future. Instead of justice, killers get lifetime housing/health care bene�ts. Death penalty opponents have disrupted fair implementation of the law with endless delays. Taxpayers will pay at least $50,000 annually to care for each convicted killer. Prosecutors, cops, crime victims and community leaders oppose Proposition 34.More Information: www.waitingforjustice.net

Proposition 35 Human Tra�cking. Penalties. Initiative Statute. No PositionIncreases prison sentences and �nes for human tra�cking convictions. Requires convicted human tra�ckers to register as sex o�enders. Requires registered sex o�enders to disclose Internet activities and identities they use in online activities. Requires human tra�cking training for police o�cers.Ballot Arguments For:A national study recently gave California an “F” on its laws dealing with child sex tra�cking. Proposition 35 will increase prison terms for human tra�ckers to hold these criminals accountable and increase �nes from convicted human tra�ckers and use these funds to pay for victims’ services, so survivors can repair their lives. Proposition 35 helps stop exploitation of children that starts online. California’s largest law enforcement groups, crime victims and their advocates support Proposition 35.More Information: www.VoteYesOn35.comBallot Arguments Against:The real goal of Proposition 35 is to gain access to asset forfeiture to bene�t the law enforcement agencies and nonpro�ts that support it. Proposition 35 has no oversight or accountability, opening the door to corrupt practices seen before in drug enforcement. If Proposition 35 passes, it will likely face legal challenges. Proposition 35 will cost the state additional unspeci�ed amounts; it will increase the workload for already overburdened probation departments. More Information: http://esplerp.org

Proposition 36 Three Strikes Law. Repeat Felony O�enders. Penalties. Initiative Statute. No PositionRevises law to impose life sentence only when new felony conviction is serious or violent. Authorizes resentencing for o�enders currently serving life terms if third strike conviction was not serious or violent and judge determines sentence does not pose unreasonable risk to public safety. Maintains life sentence penalty for nonserious, nonviolent third strike if prior convictions were for rape, murder or child molestation.Ballot Arguments For:Proposition 36 makes the punishment �t the crime. It will save California more than $100 million every year and make room in prison for dangerous felons. Prosecutors, judges and police o�cers support Proposition 36 because it helps ensure that prisons can keep dangerous criminals behind bars for life. More Information: www.FixThreeStrikes.orgBallot Arguments Against:Proposition 36 allows dangerous criminals to be released from prison to commit more crimes and ultimately end up back in prison. Any change in sentencing laws should apply only to future crimes committed. Proposition 36 is opposed by police, sheri�s, law enforcement, prosecutors and crime victims groups. More Information: www.SaveThreeStrikes.com

Proposition 37 Genetically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative Statute. OpposeRequires labeling on raw or processed food sold to consumers if made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in speci�ed ways. Prohibits labeling or advertising such food or processed food as “natural.” Exemptions include foods that are certi�ed organic; unintentionally produced with genetically animals fed or injected with genetically engineered materials but not genetically engineered themselves; administered for treatment of medical conditions; sold for immediate consumption such as at a restaurant; or alcoholic beverages.Reasons for Position:Proposition 37 is a deceptive, deeply �awed food labeling scheme that would add more government bureaucracy and taxpayer costs, create new frivolous lawsuits, and increase food costs by billions—without providing any health or safety bene�ts. The measure is based on bad science and would place California at a competitive disadvantage to other states. Biotechnology, also called genetic engineering, has been used for nearly two decades to grow disease-resistant crops. Thousands of common foods are made with ingredients from biotech crops. Proposition 37 is full of special interest exemptions. More Information: www.NoProp37.com

Proposition 38 Tax to Fund Education and Early Childhood Programs. Initiative Statute. OpposeIncreases personal income tax rates on annual earnings over $7,316 using sliding scale from 0.4% for lowest individual earners to 2.2% for individuals earning more than $2.5 million, for 12 years. For �rst four years, allocates 60% to K–12 schools, 30% to repay state debt and 10% to early childhood programs; then 85% to K–12 and 15% to early childhood programs. Prohibits state from directing new funds.Reasons for Position:Proposition 38 is a $120 billion income tax hike on most Californians, locked in for the next 12 years, no matter what. About 3.8 million California small businesses pay individual taxes on their earnings. Consequently, small businesses will be devastated by these higher taxes—even businesses making as little as $30,000 or $40,000 a year. Instead of creating jobs and improving the economy, Proposition 38 will force family businesses to cut jobs, move out of state or even close. The measure contains no requirements to improve school performance or get rid of bad teachers. It allows no changes, even for fraud or waste, for 12 years without another vote. Proposition 38 allows the politicians to keep spending, but contains nothing that requires any of the funds to be used speci�cally for de�cit reduction.

Proposition 39 Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses. Clean Energy and Energy E�ciency Funding. Initiative Statute. OpposeRequires multistate businesses to calculate their California income tax liability based on the percentage of their sales in California. Repeals existing law giving multistate businesses an option to choose a tax liability formula that provides favorable tax treatment for businesses with property and payroll outside California. Dedicates $550 million annually for �ve years from anticipated revenue increase to fund clean energy/energy e�ciency projects.Reasons for Position:Proposition 39 is a more than $1 billion tax increase on some California employers based solely on the structure of their business. The measure upsets a carefully negotiated compromise in 2009 in which, among other actions, general taxes were increased temporarily while certain tax incentives were created.More Information: www.Stop39.com

Proposition 40 Redistricting. State Senate Districts.Referendum. SupportA “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, new state Senate districts drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission. If the new districts are rejected, the state Senate district boundary lines will be adjusted by o�cials supervised by the California Supreme Court. State Senate districts are revised every 10 years following the federal census.Reasons for Position:California voters have voted three times in the last four years to have district maps drawn by an independent commission, not the politicians. Because of these voter-approved reforms, for the �rst time in decades, the independent commission drew fair districts for state legislators and Congress, starting with the 2012 elections. The reforms put an end to political backroom deals by ensuring the process is transparent and open to the public. Politicians are no longer guaranteed re-election, but are held accountable to voters and have to respond to constituent needs. Yes on Proposition 40 stops politicians from overturning voter-approved election reform.More Information: www.HoldPoliticiansAccountable.org

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