California Democratic Party endorses propositions on November ballot, including Brown tax proposal

The California Democratic Party Sunday voted to endorse Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax proposal, and oppose a rival measure on the November ballot.

The vote by the executive board of the state Democratic Party to back Brown’s tax measure comes as little surprise. As governor, Brown essentially controls the party leadership. His measure, Proposition 30, would raise an estimated $8.5 billion for cash-strapped California by temporarily raising income taxes on the state’s highest earners and increasing the sales tax a quarter percent.

"We’re going to work hard to pass Proposition 30 to prevent further cuts to education and local public safety,” said California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton in a statement.

The party voted to oppose Proposition 38. It would increase state income taxes for most Californians and earmark the revenue for schools and early childhood development. Pasadena civil rights attorney Molly Munger is its chief sponsor.

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Brown has expressed frustration with Munger, worried that her measure will confuse voters and that they will vote no on both propositions.

The party leadership also voted to oppose Proposition 32, which would limit the ability of its labor union allies to directly contribute to candidates. The measure would also prohibit unions from collecting political contributions by payroll deduction.

“If Prop 32 were to pass, it would effectively silence the voice of working families at the ballot box," Burton said.

Here is a list of the party's other endorsements by the California Democratic Party:

No on Proposition 31
Locks California into permanent underfunding of education, health, and other vital services

No on Proposition 33
Auto insurance rate hike

Yes on Proposition 34
Repeals death penalty and replaces with life without parole

Yes on Proposition 35
Increases penalties for human trafficking

Yes on Proposition 36
Reforms “Three Strikes” law

Yes on Proposition 37
Labeling of genetically engineered foods

No on Proposition 38
Munger initiative

Neutral on Proposition 39
Adjusts taxes for multi-state corporations to fund clean energy programs

Yes on Proposition 40
Referendum on State Senate district boundaries