Calfornia Democratic Party Convention
April 29 - May 1, 2011
Sacramento Convention Center
The upcoming convention is a Resolutions convention.
What is a Resolution?
A resolution is a statement of principle. The Resolutions Committee cannot take positions on legislation, but the principles that inform the legislation is appropriate for a resolution.
What is the Deadline to Submit Resolutions?
The deadline to submit resolutions is March 30, 2011, although we suggest submitting it March 27th as a precaution.
How do I Write a Resolution?
A resolution must have no more than 3 Whereas clauses and 2 Resolved clauses.
Here is an example of a resolution that passed the CA Democratic Party:
Single-Payer Health Care Reform
WHEREAS, President Barack Obama has affirmed again and again that he wishes to enact health care reform that includes a public government-run insurance plan, and having a window of opportunity now where dramatic change is possible with the majority of Americans, doctors and nurses supporting a single-payer healthcare system; and
WHEREAS, Congress is being presented with new, competing and conflicting reform ideas, with private insurance companies wanting health-care reform to earn them maximum profits if they start covering millions of uninsured Americans, but are not willing to abide by the fair rules, oversight and cost containment that Americans deserve; and
WHEREAS, Congress is beginning to debate legislation to restructure the nation's health-care system, with the aim of delivering a bill to President Obama by mid-October;
r
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party reaffirms the principle of single-payer health care as an attainable goal, and urges the California Democratic Congressional Delegation to take the lead in supporting the single payer model and to work to bring about permanent cost reduction and universal, affordable and excellent health care for all; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if Congress does not pass single-payer health care, that instead, at a minimum, the law will include a provision ensuring that states maintain the ability to enact truly universal health care through a state-based, single-payer health plan, specifically with an amendment that authorizes state waivers to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), in order to enable single-payer states to collect funds directly from employers and continue to collect funds from the appropriate federal programs.
Sponsored by: Region 10 Delegates: Susan Broidy; Cheryl Conway; Stew Jenkins;
Gabriel Zacaria; Hilda Zacarias; Chris Lanier; Sylvia Navarro; Cleo Navarro; Dorothy Reik;
Joseph O’Neill; Cleofas Navarro; Sylvia Navarro; Penny Strowger; Sandy Emberland
Additional tips for Writing a Resolution:
- Check to see if your issue is covered in the CA Democratic Party Platform. If it is, refer to that in one of the Whereas clauses
- The final resolved clause should be an action clause. For example, if it impacts CA State legislation, write into the resolution that it be sent to Democratic elected officials in the state Assembly and Senate.
How many delegates must sign on to a resolution prior to submission?
25 DSCC delegates to the Convention must sign on to the resolution prior to submission. Or, a County Committee, the majority of the membership at a regional meeting or a local Democratic Club can sign onto the resolution.
Where do I find delegates to sign onto my Resolution?
Each AD has 12 delegates that are elected to represent you at the Convention. In addition, you can find delegates at your local Democratic Party County Committee meeting, at a local Democratic Club or a Democratic Party Regional meeting.
