Monthly Update

January 2012 Recap

• Spending Limit Initiative
• California Trailblazers
• NMSD Endorsements
• Links To The News We Are Following

Election year is finally here! All of the work and planning that New Majority did in 2011 is coming to fruition. We look forward to working with our Membership to accomplish our strategic objectives.

Spending Limit Initiative Update
New Majority continues to proactively reform the way that California is governed. As part of an ongoing process on the state budget and a spending limit, each of the New Majority chapters have or will host speakers to discuss the Spending Limit Initiative and its impacts.

The Spending Limit Initiative does five things: 1) limits state spending based on per capita income and population growth; 2) sets the base budget year of 2011-2012; 3) requires excess revenue to pay down debt; 4) includes special funds except transportation accounts; and 5) restates current law for 2/3rds vote requirement to enact or authorize taxes.

California Trailblazers
Currently there are 30 candidates enrolled in the Trailblazer program. Of those, six candidates are running in targeted seats. Congressman McCarthy presented Trailblazers to the joint caucus of the Assembly and Senate Republicans, encouraging them to take a more active role in the program. The next campaign school will be hosted by Congressman McCarthy and take place on March 10th in Los Angeles.

NMSD Endorsements
On January 25th, New Majority San Diego announced the endorsement of Brian Jones for re-election to the State Assembly. To date, New Majority San Diego has also endorsed: the re-election of Congressman Brian Bilbray; Nathan Fletcher for Mayor; City Council Candidates Ray Ellis for District 1, Mark Kersey for District 5, and Scott Sherman for District 7; the Comprehensive Pension Reform Initiative; and Steve Danon for San Diego County Supervisor.

What We’re Following
Redistricting: California Supreme Court denies challenge of Senate maps
Payroll Tax: Dan Walters: Unemployment tax increase looms as Capitol battle
California Legislature: Dan Walters: California Legislature has a new opportunity … but only if it mends its ways
Budget: Jerry Brown budget cuts $1 billion from California welfare
Governor’s Tax Proposal: Dan Walters: Jerry Brown’s tax increase is a big risk
Elections 2012: More House seats in California up for grabs