RESPONSE TO STATE-OF-THE-STATE: Green Party says Governor favors his own special interests over the people; Vows to fight Schwarzenegger's ‘extremist' views

GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005

Contacts:
Cres Vellucci, State Press Office, 916-996-1970,
Beth Moore Haines, GPCA Spokesperson, 530-277-0610,
Kevin McKeown, GPCA Spokesperson, 310-393-3639,
Sara Amir, GPCA Spokesperson, 310-270-7106,

SACRAMENTO (January 5, 2005, 5:59 p.m.) – The Green Party of California Wednesday – responding to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's second State of the State speech – charged the governor's plan was "extremist," and put his own special business interests over that of all Californians.

The Greens said Schwarzenegger's plan falls far short of helping Californians resolve their daily concern about jobs, fair wages and healthcare, but does favor wealthy business interests by not insisting they pay their fair share of taxes.

"The Governor's refusal to augment revenues by taxing corporations irresponsibly favors boardrooms over classrooms," said Santa Monica City Council member Kevin McKeown. "Cloaking regressive ideas in glittery populism doesn't hide the true cost. The Governor's plan, cutting services rather than fairly taxing corporations, will ride the weary backs of the working poor, seniors and children."

The GPCA said the governor made it clear he favors the building of more polluting power plants over energy conservation and alternative power, and big business over those on pensions.

"The Governor encouraged development by cutting costs for developers without mentioning affordability or environmental impacts. California needs stable transit-served housing for working families, not far-flung suburban sprawl," added McKeown. "We Greens focus on the future. We recognize that borrowing from future generations and stealing from our schools guarantees a grim future."

"The Governor's tenor and his programs are extremist. If he insists on putting his agenda on the ballot through initiatives, the Greens and other caring Californians will be ready for him," said Erika McDonald, GPCA committee co-chair.

-30-

The Green Party of California
http://www.cagreens.org
P.O. Box 2828, Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
gpca@greens.org