Urge state legislators to put the governor’s budget proposal to a vote of the people

Build a Greener California

California's budget deficit and continuing economic issues threaten the state’s ability to ensure clean air and clean water, keep state parks open, enforce conservation laws, and provide public transit. Governor Jerry Brown's proposed budget would address the $25 billion shortfall and put the state on a path to fiscal stability, through a mix of cuts and tax extensions.

If Governor Brown’s revenue-generating measures are not put on the ballot and passed by California voters, state leaders will need to find an additional $12 billion in cuts, which could mean closure of all of the state parks and further reductions in public transit service, as well as devastating cuts to schools, universities, and health care.

Take action today: urge your legislators to approve Governor Brown's revenue-generating proposals.

Even though environmental programs account for less than two percent of the state’s general fund, ongoing budget deficits hit environmental programs hard.

Governor Brown has proposed what most Californians agree is an honest budget, as well as a measure for the June ballot that would extend personal income, sales, and vehicle license taxes at their current rates through 2015. (The current rates are otherwise set to expire at the end of this year.)

Without that measure, the state would need to make $12 billion in further cuts, which could devastate environmental protection in the state.

The governor has a very narrow window to gain legislative approval to put the tax extensions on the ballot, but a group of strongly anti-tax legislators opposes even placing the choice before voters. Take action to urge state leaders to let the voters decide.