Hollywood director Rob Reiner stars in the only broadcast ad specifically opposing Propositions 1D and 1E.
The two items on Tuesday's special election ballot would temporarily shift funds to the state from local children's and mental-health programs, which voters approved in past years.
Reiner is involved in the campaign because in 1998 he spearheaded Proposition 10, which created the children's programs and the tobacco tax to finance them.
Proposition 10 proponents have merged efforts with those seeking to protect Proposition 63, the 2004 measure that imposed a "millionaire's tax" to fund mental health programs.
Following is the text of the radio ad and an analysis by Susan Ferriss of The Bee Capitol Bureau:
Text
This is Rob Reiner. Our kids don't know it, but on Tuesday, the state's budget mess will put them at risk. That's because Propositions 1D and 1E cut children's health and mental health care. These are some of the worst budget cuts in California history. 1D and 1E won't balance the budget … and they'll end up costing California more in the long run. California teachers are against this. Nurses are against it. But guess who's for it? The state Legislature and their friends – the tobacco and oil companies. It's a bad budget deal. It protects the special interests and hurts kids. This is Rob Reiner saying please vote NO on 1D and 1E next Tuesday. Don't believe the scare tactics. We can balance our budget without hurting kids.
Analysis
It's true that money shifted to the state wouldn't come close to solving a multibillion-dollar deficit, but the two measures would save about $2.1 billion over the next few years.
The two propositions require that funds shifted from local program reserves be used only to help pay for state health, human and mental-health services for children. The transfers could help prevent deeper cuts in state programs.
It's true that tobacco and oil companies have donated to the ballot initiatives, but so has the massive California Teachers Association. The smaller California Federation of Teachers and the California Nurses Association are opposed.
Call Susan Ferriss, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 321-1267.
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