Governor Schwarzenegger's several recent vetoes of progressive social, consumer and labor legislation which have revealed his support of the reactionary Republican corporate agenda:

To the Editor:

Your recent front-page story, "Governor claims middle ground," (The Times, October 3) listed several vetoes by Governor Schwarzenegger of progressive social, consumer and labor legislation and revealed his support of the reactionary Republican corporate agenda:

1. Schwarzenegger vetoed an increase in the minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers in California: this was shameful and echoed the vicious Bush-Cheney anti-labor polices.

2. Schwarzenegger vetoed several pieces of legislation designed to end offshoring of California government jobs overseas.

3. Schwarzenegger vetoed several pieces of legislation designed to allow California consumers to purchase safe and less expensive prescription drugs from Canada.

4. Schwarzenegger vetoed the inclusion of maternity coverage in health insurance (HMO) plans.

5. Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation to require utilities to move to generating at least 20% of their electricity from renewable resources.

6. Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation to encourage electric utilities to construct new power plants in California, while not permitting large corporations to cut their own private deals with utilities.

Thus, in several important public policy areas, the allegedly moderate Schwarzenegger is marching in virtual lockstep with the extremely reactionary anti-consumer, anti-environment and anti-labor positions of Bush-Cheney.

Yours truly,

James K. Sayre

3 October 2004