The Marin Independent Journal and the Chico Enterprise Record Endorse Prop 54

October 14, 2016 – The Marin Independent Journal and the Chico Enterprise Record have endorsed Prop. 54, which will require all legislation to be in print and publicly posted online in its final form at least 72 hours before it may pass out of either house of the State Legislature, require the legislature to record all public hearings and post recordings online within 24 hours, and give the public the right to record public proceedings.

Below are excerpts from the endorsements.

Marin Independent Journal: “Proposition 54 needed to stem legislative hijinks”:

“Proposition 54 may be the easiest decision on the state ballot. This proposition was authored by taxpayers because our state Legislature couldn’t agree on how to clean up its act.

This proposition would outlaw the practice of last-second gut-and-amend legislation that circumvents the tests of public hearings and open debate.

…This bill not only requires reasonable time for open and public review of legislation, but sends a clear message to lawmakers that voters have little taste for behind-the-scenes lawmaking. Vote yes.”

Chico Enterprise Record: “Endorsement roundup of other state propositions”:

“An obvious yes that forces transparency upon the Legislature. It requires that any bill in front of the Legislature be posted on the internet for at least 72 hours before the Legislature may vote on it. The state Democratic Party opposes the bill, of course, because the folks in power in Sacramento have no qualms about last-minute legislative surprises. This forces them to do it the right way. Serves them right.”

To learn more about Proposition 54 or to join the coalition, visit the website at www.YesProp54.org.

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