Schwarzenegger Calls Election on 3 Proposals - New York Times

Why must the unions oppose reform when the state of California runs in the red. By opposing reform, they may as well be saying, "Raise taxes."

"Democrats have opposed Mr. Schwarzenegger's proposals for a variety of reasons, but the main opposition has been among public sector unions that object to the proposed budget changes. The measure would automatically limit state spending, including that for schools, in an attempt to keep the state's mandatory spending programs in line with revenues. The unions see it as an attempt to cut jobs. As it became apparent over the weekend that Mr. Schwarzenegger would call a special election, the governing board of the state's biggest teachers' union imposed a $60 temporary assessment on members to help pay for fighting the proposals. The union, the California Teachers Association, estimated the fee would raise $50 million over three years"