Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/447773
8 R E G I S T E R E D N U R S E W W W . C A L N U R S E S . O R G A U G U S T 2 0 0 6 NewsBriefs T he nurses' campaign to cure politi- cal corruption by passing Proposition 89 is quickly picking up steam and big- name supporters, including the endorsement of California state treasurer and gubernatori- al candidate Phil Angelides. At an early August press con- ference held at CNA/NNOC's headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Angelides called Prop. 89, which would slash the influence of spe- cial interests by strictly limiting political donations and set up public financing of campaigns for candidates who reject pri- vate money, the "right thing for California." "Democracy has never worked better if you're an oil company, a pharmaceutical company, or an insurance company," said Angelides. "It's time to return to true democ- racy, where the power of a person's beliefs again reigns supreme, and Prop. 89 is the best shot we have." The initiative, which CNA/NNOC put on the November ballot by collect- ing more than 620,000 signa- tures, is fast becoming a litmus test for how committed a per- son or group is to fundamental reform of a broken political sys- tem where both insiders and observers say you must "pay to play." "Nurses put forth this initiative to end these practices," said Deborah Burger, RN and CNA/NNOC president. "The voice you have in our system shouldn't depend on how big your bank account is." Regardless of party affiliation, those who benefit from the status quo oppose the initiative; those who are shut out are generally in support. "We were thrilled, and frankly stunned that you came out in support," said Rose Ann DeMoro, CNA/ NNOC's executive director to Angelides at the press conference. "We thought that showed so much courage." In contrast, the California Chamber of Commerce—and other entrenched interests that prefer to get their message out through the kind of lobbying and media advertising that requires heavy infusions of cash—oppose the initiative. Watch for the Yes on 89 campaign to heat up starting in late August by checking the Yeson89.org website. CNA/NNOC will be premiering on Aug. 24 in cities across Cali- fornia a short film acclaimed director Robert Greenwald produced about the nurses' 2005 defeat of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and how the battle inspired them to launch their cam- paign for Prop. 89. —staff report CALIFORNIA You Can Help Pass Prop. 89! First, get connected by joining Californians for Clean Elections at www.Yeson89.org. You can learn more about the initiative and also ways to help, such as speaking to neighbors and community groups or donat- ing to the campaign. You can also request bumper stickers and other Yes on 89 gear. PROP. 89 PICKING UP STEAM, AND SUPPORTERS S O M E P R O P. 8 9 O P P O N E N TS : > Zenith Insurance Company > Mercury General Corporation (insurance company) > George Joseph, CEO, Mercury > Insurance Group > Fireman's Fund (insurance company) > IBA West Inc. California Advocacy Group (insurance brokers and agents) > California Business PAC (Chamber of Commerce) > California Business Roundtable Issues PAC (Chamber of Commerce) Source: California Secretary of State website THEY DON'T WANT TO COME CLEAN Left: Responding to CNA/NNOC's beacon, the Caped Crusader swoops in to clean up corruption at a Schwarzenegger fundraiser. Above: While CNA/NNOC President Deborah Burger, RN looks on, gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides gives his endorsement of Prop. 89. JACLYN KELLYE H IGGS