Opposition to Proposition 32 Regarding Political Contributions
by Payroll Deductions

AS-3093-12/FGA

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU) strongly oppose Proposition 32 regarding political contributions by payroll deduction; and be it further,

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU distribute this resolution to the following:

• The “No on Proposition 32” campaign
• The Board of Trustees
• Campus Presidents and Senate Chairs
• The California Faculty Association
• Academic Senate for the California Community Colleges
• Academic Senate of the University of California
• The Governor of the State of California
• The California legislative leadership

RATIONALE: Proposition 32 “Political Contributions By Payroll Deduction Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute” prohibits unions, corporations, or government contractors from using payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. It also prohibits unions and corporations from contributing directly or indirectly to candidates and candidate controlled committees. Proposition 32 permits other political expenditures to continue unrestricted, including corporate expenditures and expenditures by special interests from resources not limited by the payroll deduction prohibition.

Finally, the California Legislative Analyst estimates that the approval of Proposition 32 “Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute” will require implementation costs to state and local governments potentially exceeding $1 million annually. Historically, ASCSU has opposed the effective silencing of voices which advocate for higher education in California. Approval of Proposition 32
would effectively reduce the ability of ordinary citizens to participate in the broad expansion of democracy through the exercise of their voices in the public sphere. We join non-partisan political organizations including the League of Women Voters of California and Common Cause and public educational institutions including Los Angeles Community College District, (Com. No. BT3 passed 8/22/12) and several school districts who have opposed Proposition 32. Any attempt to subvert the range of public employee groups from expressing values, opinions, and information regarding public policy via organized unions, corporations, or government contractors, whose necessary expenses are covered by payroll deductions would result in a lessening of discussion and debate central to a democratic society.

Approved - September 14, 2012