Asm. Scott Wilk: “Proposition 54 is a policy long overdue”

November 1, 2016 –  State Assemblymember Scott Wilk opined in the Santa Clarita Gazette in support of Prop. 54, a statewide initiative on the November 2016 ballot that will rein in the power of special interests and give voters a stronger voice in the State Legislature.

Below are excerpts from the op-ed: “End Backroom Deals, Vote Yes on 54”:

“This year, California’s election ballot may be as big as a biology book, but luckily there is one measure that’s an easy “yes” vote – Proposition 54.

Prop 54 will help bring legislative transparency to our state Capitol by ensuring voters — not special interests or political elites — are put first and that Californians are given the opportunity to review and weigh in on legislation.

The simple fact is, Sacramento has been hijacked by a political few who pick and choose the winners and losers. Their top-down, command-and-control governing model is outdated and undemocratic — and I’m not alone in that assessment.

…By far, the most glaring problem in Sacramento is the practice of “gut-and-amend,” where bills are drastically changed at the last minute, then rushed through the legislature. This sinister tactic is used by the ruling political class to bypass the legislative process with little to no time for us legislators — let alone the public — to review or comment on bills.

…Last minute deal making made behind closed doors is not how democracy is supposed to work. The legislative process exists for a reason: bills we pass affect millions of people, and when the ruling elites shut the public out of the conversation, special interests are the ones who win.

But Proposition 54 will put California back on the right path, shining a light on legislative secrecy in Sacramento…

These three changes are critical to greater transparency in the legislature, allowing lawmakers the appropriate time to review bills before voting on them and allowing all Californians time to review and comment…

It’s time we stand up to the political elites and shed light on the work being done in Sacramento – the people’s business. Californians deserve an accountable and honest government, and proposition 54 is a step in the right direction.

The California ballot will require some studying this year, but Proposition 54 is a policy long overdue. Vote yes on Prop 54.”

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

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