Getting the money out of politics is a nonpartisan issue and should be a priority for every voter. If you want to end the era of politicians being bought and paid for, then Proposition 15 is a good starting point.

Prop. 15 will introduce a pilot program of voluntary public financing in the 2014 and 2018 races for secretary of state.

The money would come from an increase in fees on lobbyists, lobbyist firms and lobbyist employers. Lobbyists currently pay only $12.50 per year to register with the state. With Prop. 15, this will increase to $350 per year.

There’s another major component of Proposition 15. Did you know that it’s currently illegal for local municipalities to offer public funding of campaigns?

Proposition 15 will change that. If this proposition passes, every county and city will be able to come up with their own public funding of campaigns program.

Prop. 15 starts us on the road to getting California politicians out of the fundraising game and leveling the playing field.
Chris Webb
Newbury Park