The California Forward Action Fund strives to improve the quality of life for all Californians by advocating for policies that create inclusive, sustainable growth and improved government at the state and local levels. The Action Fund is the advocacy arm of California Forward (CA FWD).
Leading an Era of Reform
Since 2007, the California Forward Action Fund has worked to enact reforms that would fundamentally improve how public dollars are spent and give Californians better tools to hold elected leaders accountable.
Below is a short list of reforms that the Action Fund has championed to reduce partisan gridlock and increase transparency and accountability.
Citizen Redistricting
The Action Fund supported the passage of Prop 11 in 2008 which took the decennial job of drawing political boundaries away from lawmakers and gave it to citizens to reduce partisan gerrymandering.
Top-Two Primary
The Action Fund supported Prop 14 in 2010 which gave every voter the right to vote for all candidates in primary elections, giving politicians an incentive to appeal to all voters in their districts.
Term Limit Reform
The Action Fund supported Prop 28 in 2012 which allowed state lawmakers to serve up to 12 years in either house of the Legislature, giving them a chance to build expertise and relationships.
Public Records Reform
Prop 42 in 2014 affirmed in the constitution the public’s right to local government records.
Ballot Initiative Reform
SB 1253 in 2014 increased public review of proposed ballot measures, increased transparency about supporters and encouraged legislative solutions.
Simple Majority Vote for the State Budget
Prop 25 in 2010 made it harder for partisan stalemates to hold up funding for essential state and community services.
Rainy Day Fund
Prop 2 in 2014 provided a mechanism for managing volatile revenue and saving money to provide essential services during economic recessions.
Legislator Suspension Reform
In 2016 the Action Fund supported Prop 50 which gave the California Legislature clear authority to suspend members of the Senate or the Assembly without pay.
California Legislative Transparency Act
The Action Fund supported Prop 54 in 2016. Approved by more than 64 percent of voters in the November 2016 election. Prop 54 requires the Legislature to distribute and post online legislation in its final form for at least 72 hours before a final floor vote by either house, to post online a video recording of every legislative meeting that is supposed to be open to the public, and to allow all individuals to create and share their own recordings of legislative proceedings.