The California Chamber of Commerce today declared its opposition to a $9.95 billion bond issue on the Nov. 4 ballot to begin building a high-speed rail system, saying it would be too costly.
"There are other projects that mitigate congestion that should be a high priority," chamber president Allan Zaremberg said in announcing the business organization's opposition to Proposition 1A.
It's a rare break for the chamber from Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has endorsed the proposed "bullet train" that would link the northern and southern portions of the state.
The chamber did, however, endorse another Schwarzenegger-backed measure on the November ballot, Proposition 11, which would remove legislative redistricting from the Legislature's purview and give it to an independent commission, saying it would make the Legislature "accountable to the voters."
Proposition 11 is drawing heavy opposition from Democratic politicians, who saying it would be a Republican power grab.
Other CalChamber ballot measure positions:
--Proposition 2, which would impose new standards for treatment of farm animals, oppose.
--Proposition 3, a bond act to refurbish and expand children's hospitals, support.
--Proposition 5, a measure to reduce imprisonment of nonviolent offenders, oppose.
--Proposition 6, the "Safe Neighborhoods Act," neutral.
--Proposition 7, a measure to encourage solar energy, oppose.
--Proposition 10. a measure to encourage alternative energy, oppose.
--Proposition 12, a bond issue for veterans home loans, support.
The chamber took no position on Proposition 4, which would require parental notification before a minor obtains an abortion; Proposition 8, which would reinstate a California law barring marriage between same-sex couples; and Proposition 9, aimed at blocking releases of prison inmates before their terms are served.
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