FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
October 29, 2008    

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Adam Lioz, Progressive Future: (202) 251-8519
Kristina Wilfore, BISC: (202) 223-2373

Denver, CO – A new national survey of the 153 initiatives on statewide ballots this fall touted seven as moving America forward “toward fulfilling the promise of democratic progress” and slammed 11 as examples of regressing “at our peril.”

Progress or Peril: The Best and Worst 2008 Ballot Initiatives details eighteen initiatives in ten states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Washington.  The report was co-authored by Progressive Future and Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, and is available at www.ProgressiveFuture.org/progress-or-peril.

Report authors noted that November’s national elections are just the beginning, and that voters will make many decisions—some just as critical—lower down the ballot.  Twenty-four states feature statewide initiatives or referenda on their ballots.  The eighteen initiatives featured in the report will affect more than 100 million people.

“A lot is at stake on state ballots this year,” said Adam Lioz, Progressive Future Program Director and report co-author.  “Americans will be answering some very basic questions about our core values—and we can take big steps forward, or giant leaps back.  It’s been a long election season, but it’s critical that voters finish strong by making their voices heard all the way down the ballot.”

Progress or Peril features initiatives the authors say will move us forward on:

•    Economic Security (OH Issue 5)
•    Education (CO Amendment 59)
•    Energy  (MO Proposition C)
•    Health Care (MT Initiative 155)
•    Personal Autonomy (WA I-1000)
•    Using Public Resources (CO Amendment 58; CA Proposition 1A)

The report profiles measures that the authors say will take our country in the wrong direction on:

•    Choice (CO Amendment 48)
•    Economic security (CO Amendments 47, 49, 54)
•    Equal Rights (AZ Prop 102; AR Initiative 1; CA Proposition 8; CO Amendment 46)
•    Health Care Access (FL Amendment 2)
•    Using Public Resources (MA Question 1; AZ Proposition 105)

"Voters in 2008 are clamoring for change, but some of the most important and controversial laws in this country aren't made by politicians,” said Kristina Wilfore, Executive Director of Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.  “This year’s ballot measures present voters with an opportunity to vote directly on laws that will truly decide on significant changes in state policy."

Progressive Future promotes progressive values through grassroots action. Its mission is to build and mobilize grassroots support, both online and in neighborhoods throughout America, for progressive change. This fall, Progressive Future is running several field programs to engage citizens in the upcoming election.  To learn more, visit www.ProgressiveFuture.org.

Ballot Initiative Strategy Center is the nerve center for progressive ballot initiative campaigns across the country. As voters across the country prepare to go to the polls, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center’s website, www.ballot.org, is the most comprehensive, up to date and user friendly place for information on ballot initiative campaigns.