Activists launch grassroots campaign for Prop. 30

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A coalition of community groups is launching a grassroots effort to support Proposition 30 in hopes that voter turnout among young and minority voters will be a decisive factor in the November election.

Activists will hold rallies, go door-to-door and dial voters in what they called one of the largest get-out-the-vote efforts in California history. Immigrant groups will be campaigning in five languages -- including Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog –- and others plan to canvass college dormitories.

“These targeted, on-the-ground actions will deliver the critical voters needed to pass Proposition 30,’ said Joshua Pechthalt, president of the California Federation of Teachers.

Proposition 30 is the ballot initiative being pushed by Gov. Jerry Brown to raise taxes in order to prevent deep cuts to schools. The proposal would increase the sales tax by a quarter cent for four years and income taxes on the wealthy for seven years, generating at least $6 billion a year.

Polls have shown Proposition 30 is a close call among voters, with support a few points above to 50% threshold.

“Just a small bump -- 1, 2, 3 percent -- of people who don’t normally turn out to vote can be decisive,’ said Anthony Thigpenn, president of California Calls, a Los Angeles-based advocacy organization.

ALSO:

Poll shows close call for Jerry Brown’s tax plan

Cal State system to hike tuition 5% if Prop. 30 fails

UC regents brainstorm changes if voters reject Prop. 30

-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento
twitter.com/chrismegerian

“Just a small bump, 1, 2, 3 percent, of people who don’t normally turn out to vote, can be decisive.”