[GPCA Updates] GPCA RELEASE: Greens back drug discount measure, opposeGovernor's Props Nov. 8

[Jim Stauffer]

                   News Advisory
           THE GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
                www.cagreens.org
	

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 					     
Friday, November 4, 2005



Green Party of California recommends support
for only Prop. 79 (mandatory drug discounts),
urges ‘No' votes on governor's propositions

SACRAMENTO  (Nov. 3, 2005) – The Green Party of California today urged
voters to vote "Yes" for only one proposition on the Special Election
ballot Nov. 8 – Proposition 79, which would reduce the cost of prescription
drugs for millions of Californians. 

An internal poll of affiliated Green Party county chapters determined all
other measures – except Prop. 80 and Prop. 77, which received "No Position"
recommendations – should be defeated. Greens recommend the defeat of the
parental consent measure (Prop. 73), and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's pet
propositions (74-76). (NOTE: A complete list of the GPCA recommendations
are at www.cagreens.org/ccwg/05props.htm.)

In backing Prop. 79, the GPCA noted that Health Access California, and
other labor and consumer groups sponsored the measure, which would use the
purchasing power of the State of California to negotiate prescription-drug
discounts for millions of Californians who now must pay retail prices for
these medications. 

"Proposition 79 is good for Californians. And the fact that it is opposed
by ‘Big Pharma,' the prescription drug industry, gives it even more
credibility," said Susan King, a spokesperson for the GPCA. Greens also
urge a "No" on Prop. 78, which seeks to confuse voters by advocating a
"voluntary" price-reduction plan for the drug industry.

While Green county councils generally favored Prop. 80, which requires some
regulation of the energy industry, they gave it a "No Position"
recommendation because they could not gather the necessary 80 percent
margin needed for a "thumbs up." Many Greens believe the measure is a step
in the right direction, but others believe it locks communities into long
term energy contracts with private corporate energy providers.

Greens were also split on Prop. 77, giving a "No Position" recommendation
on the Governor's redistricting measure, believing it does not correct the
real problems of gerrymandered districts and distracts voters from the real
problem and real reform.

"The governor has proven time and time again that his stated goal of
‘reforming' California is really to target unions, schools and even
democracy, while giving more power to corporate special interests," said
Larry Cafiero, the GPCA Liaison to the Secretary of State's office.