- From l to r: Berdj Karapetian, Sen. De Leon, Gov. Brown, Levon Kirakosian, Chris Guldjian and Nora Hovsepian
LOS ANGELES—The ANCA had a cordial meeting with the Governor to discuss numerous issues of concern to the Armenian Community in California and more specifically, issues of importance to the ANCA. The Governor expressed his commitment to assist the ANCA in achieving the objectives that were presented to him and expressed his longstanding and unwavering friendship with the Armenian Community. Senator Kevin De Leon who helped to arrange the meeting with the governor later joined the meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Governor held a press conference with members of the Armenian media. In attendance were Horizon, Asbarez, U.S. Armenia T.V., ARTN, Armenian Life Magazine and AABC TV. In his press conference the Governor’s press presented the importance of the passing of Proposition 30. There were several questions posed to the Governor by various members of the media. More specifically Proposition 30 has been placed before the citizens of the State of California because of the financial down turn in the United States which has certainly affected the State of California. In the event that Prop 30 does not pass, there is a likelihood of 5 billion dollars being cut from the State education budget. Prop 30 proposes a temporary tax increase of the higher income earners and an increase in sales tax.
The ANCA after evaluating the present financial crisis in the State and the devastation that it may have on the State education, has decided to endorse Proposition 30. The Proposition has been polling at 49 percent approval rating and with a push from the Armenian Community the success of the Proposition would be assured. The ANCA-WR, keenly knows how important education is to our community which is comprised of numerous immigrants who have recently come to this State. We believe that the opportunities existing in the State education system would benefit our community at large. Therefore, we urge all our members and constituents to vote on November 6 and to vote Yes on Proposition 30.
