Schwarzenegger Terminates Labor Bills in 2004

By Art Pulaski
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
California Labor Federation

In his first year in office, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed every major Labor bill that reached his desk. The reason for these vetoes is clear - the Governor has received millions of dollars in campaign contributions, underwriting of lavish receptions and even his trip to the Republican National Convention in New York City.

Governor Schwarzenegger has now raised more corporate special interest money than any other politician in America except George W. Bush. While Gray Davis was criticized for his fundraising activities, Governor Schwarzenegger has far outpaced Davis in raising money.

During the 2004 Election, Schwarzenegger targeted several union-supported legislators for defeat in this election. We won in each.
Proposition 72 received 49% of the vote. Many said we didn't have a chance with prop 72. Yet we came within 0.9%, in spite of the massive corporate money and Schwarzenegger in full attack against it.
We now plan even stronger union cooperation to prevail over the new attacks under Bush, Big Business, Congress and Arnold Schwarzenegger. We will never match their deep pockets, but we can beat their special interests by building public demand for reform.

We will soon convene unions to help plan our next step - the 2005 legislative agenda. Please call Liz Doyle at (510) 663-4033 if you would like to join the planning sessions.

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