This November, California voters will face Proposition 23, a ballot initiative that would temporarily suspend California's global warming plan, including curbing gas emission mandates in an effort to improve the state's jobless rate. Although AB 32 was intended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it’s quickly becoming clear that all it will actually reduce are jobs and local public safety budgets.

Until the state is back on track and our economy is healthy again, we strongly support Proposition 23, and according to an August Los Angeles Business Journal survey, we're not alone. The Journal revealed that most voters would support the job-boosting initiative by 58%, compared to 38% who would not support the bill.

On closer examination, AB 32 would, in reality, beget the loss of an additional one million jobs – not to mention cost the City billions in fancy regulations for electricity, natural gas, gasoline and diesel, vehicle costs and new homes. We understand that loss in government revenue means one thing: less funding for our law enforcement services and communities. Meanwhile, we know the current cuts being made to the City's budget are already taking their toll on LAPD.

How can our community know we are here to protect them if we continue to cut more hours worked by officers? We urge our members to vote YES on this ballot measure, which would save additional severe cuts from being made against our much-needed law enforcement services.

While we want to do our part for global warming, now is not the time to slap the City with reduced revenues and increased energy costs. The League cannot afford – financial or public safety wise – to jeopardize its top and only priority – safety of its police officers and the citizens we serve. Go to www.yeson23.com for more information on Proposition 23.