July 2009 Archives

Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday praised Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, saying she "has been an impressive judge."

Feinstein also casted a "yes" vote for Sotomayor's nomination to the Senate.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13 to 6 in favor of Sotomayor's nomination.

The full Senate is expected to vote next week.

Feinstein's remarks follow:

State Sen. John J. Benoit issued the following statement after opposing billions of dollars in borrowing included in the 2009-10 budget revisions on Friday morning.

The Senate ultimately passed a package of bills that attempted to address the $25 billion budget shortfall.

"But even with the passage of this budget amendment, we are still spending beyond our means, making up the difference through gimmicks and borrowing," Benoit said.

"Local governments have taken the difficult, but responsible, actions necessary to confront today's economic realities.

"Our state should have exercised the same fiscal discipline and permanently resolved the deficit through significant and substantive reforms of government programs."

"The Senate was able to pass a reform to In-Home Supportive Services, similar to one I introduced in January (SB 246), which will screen out fraud by fingerprinting beneficiaries.

"I applaud the inclusion of this reform, however, it is just one of many needed to overhaul California's bureaucracy and permanently bring spending in line with revenue."

"Even after this budget is signed, California's financial recovery will remain a work in progress. Let's not lose sight of our objective to restore a competitive business climate, the only vehicle that will get our state's economy back on track.

"We must tackle the state's uncompetitive mandates on business, and work together on solutions to our water and energy issues before we run out of good options."

Benoit is a Republican who represents the 37th District, which includes Norco.

State Sen. Bob Huff released the following statement after the state Senate approved a legislative package of 31 bills aimed at closing the state's $25.3 billion budget deficit:

"It was a long-night of debate, but in the end, lawmakers did what was necessary to solve the state's multi-billion dollar cash flow crisis without raising taxes," Huff said.

"Everyone is taking big hits, but this budget provides mechanisms in which to pay down the structural deficit and fully fund K-12 education.

"Furthermore, by allowing slant drilling into off-shore oil reserves, we will boost California's employment and revenues while decreasing dependence on foreign oil.

"The budget fix is not perfect, but it does institute a host of necessary government reforms, including the flawed IHSS and CalWORKS systems where there will now be greater accountability and less fraud.

"By prioritizing funding to those who need it most and targeting those who ignore the rules we will save $850 million over the next two budget years, and ultimately $1.5 billion per year thereafter.

"Among other things, the last 18 months have demonstrated a real need for restructuring the way the state does business.

"The vote may be over, but California must continue the work this budget patch began.

"We must continue to bring our spending in line with revenue, and we must not lose momentum in fighting for basic reforms that stimulate our economy, create jobs, and ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely. There is a lot still to do."

Huff represents the 29th District, which includes San Dimas, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Chino Hills and part of Chino.

From the MediaNews Group Sacramento bureau:

Grudgingly and with foot-dragging speed, the Legislature emerged from a marathon session Friday afternoon to give final approval to most of a $26 billion deficit-cutting package that is sure to have far-reaching and, in many instances, devastating impact.

Because the Assembly failed to approve measures to borrow gas tax revenues from local governments and on oil drilling, the Legislature handed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger with a budget that falls short by $1.1 billion of being balanced.

Against the backdrop of a battered economy that continues to choke off revenues from a state with growing and complex needs, lawmakers had to overcome deep misgivings over a wide spectrum of issues -- cuts to schools, welfare, health programs, local governments and prisons.

The state Assembly has approved a plan to close most of California's $26 billion budget deficit, sending the package of financial fixes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Assembly rejected two of the most controversial measures, a plan to take about $1 billion in transportation funding from local governments, and allowing oil drilling off the California coast for the first time in 40 years. That was to have brought in $100 million this fiscal year.

The loss of $1.1 billion from the budget package essentially eliminates the $900 million reserve fund Schwarzenegger negotiated with Democrats and Republicans.

That will force him to use his authority to make even deeper cuts to close the gap.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday defended a Twitter video in which he wields a 2-foot-long knife on-camera. A reporter asked Schwarzenegger whether it was appropriate to make the video at a time when the state is making deep cuts that are affecting the lives of the poor, elderly, children, college students and government employees.

Schwarzenegger said he shot the Web clip because he does not want to be seen as "El Stiffo," suggesting previous governors were less colorful than he is.

"Not that I have fun with making the cuts - they sadden me - but ... that doesn't mean that you cannot wave a knife around, or to wave your sword around, to get the message across that certain cuts have to be made because it's budget time," Schwarzenegger said during the news conference.

From the Media News Group Sacramento bureau:

State Sen. Bob Huff hosted an open house on Wednesday at his Walnut office, which is centrally located in his three-county district, across from Mt. San Antonio College at 20888 Amar Road.

"My job is simple -- to respond to your questions and concerns, to make decisions fairly and to put the public's interest first," Huff said.

"The new office is centrally located and easily accessible to everyone.

"When you call, my office staff and I will respond promptly, for we are here to provide assistance on any state related issue."

Huff represents the 29th District, which includes San Dimas, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Chino Hills and part of Chino.

"When Americans are struggling to find a job and pay the bills, Congress should at least give them the assurance that their tax dollars will not be used to provide health insurance to illegal immigrants," Calvert said. 

"As we've seen from the stimulus bill, the current Administration is already starting to rollback the significant reforms made under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. 

"A significant part of the landmark welfare reform bill was ending the system that rewarded states with more money for more welfare cases. 

"The welfare reform bill ended that practice and provided flat funding levels with the goal of reducing welfare cases. 

"The stimulus bill reverts to the old system of paying bonuses to states for increased welfare cases. 

"This is just one example of the willingness to circumvent current law and my amendment makes it absolutely clear that health care benefit programs will not be permitted to enroll illegal immigrants."

"We now need to keep the pressure on the U.S. Senate to include the same prohibition."

The committee accepted Calvert's amendment.

Calvert is a Republican who represents the 44th district, which includes Norco.

The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act adds gender, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity to the list of protected categories under federal hate crimes laws. The measure also provides additional federal support to state and local authorities investigating and prosecuting hate crimes.

The "vote to combat hate crimes is a great step forward in our journey to form a more perfect union," Boxer said.

"Violent acts based on gender, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity are hate crimes propelled by bias and bigotry, and they can never be tolerated in a fair and just society.

This legislation will help law enforcement investigate and prosecute hate crimes across the country.

More than 10 years after the senseless and brutal death of Matthew Shepard, this vote brings us closer to the day when we will truly be able to say there is equal justice for all."

The act passed as an amendment as part of the Defense Authorization bill.

California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Wednesday applauded the defeat of an amendment to the defense authorization bill, which, if passed, would have undermined a law that regulates who may carry a concealed weapon.

The amendment would have effectively allowed the concealed carry laws of one state to nullify the restrictions on gun possession in other states.

The amendment failed by a vote of 58 to 39. The amendment needed 60 votes for passage.

"Today's vote was a great victory for public safety and the American people, but we must remain vigilant," Feinstein said.

"The gun lobby and its supporters in Congress will be back, looking for additional legislative vehicles by which to eviscerate our nation's common-sense gun laws.

"We must continue to fight them and their ill-conceived efforts at every turn."

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer on Wednesday spoke out against a proposal that would have taken away the right of states to determine their own concealed weapons laws.

The amendment would allow people with permits from their home states to carry a concealed firearm into another state -- even though some states do not even require background checks before issuing such permits.

The proposal came up two votes short of the 60 it needed to be added to the defense authorization bill.

"California should not be forced to live with another state's weaker laws," Boxer said. "We need to do everything we can to protect our families, not pass a dangerous proposal that would only lead to more gun deaths and put more police officers in the line of fire."

Speaking on the Senate floor, Boxer read from a letter from the California Police Chiefs Association, which strongly opposed the measure because it "threatens the safety of our police officers."

"California's conceal and carry requirements are carefully crafted, and the state does not recognize permits granted by any other state," Boxer said. "This amendment would have forced California to do so."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the mayors of more than 30 cities also opposed the amendment.

Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murrieta, issued the following statement regarding the budget agreement reached late Monday:

"We were able to resolve California's 26.3 billion dollar budget deficit without raising taxes, Hollingsworth said.

"It solves our cash flow issues and saves money by reforming key government programs so they operate more efficiently.

"By being accountable for every taxpayer dollar we can save billions in future years.

"It will allow us to close the deficit without further increasing taxes on hard-working Californians.

"It takes steps to reform government to save taxpayers significant sums now and billions in the future."

Hollingsworth represents the 36th Senate District, which includes southwest Riverside County.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders from both parties announced a tentative deal Monday night to address California's $26.3 billion budget deficit.

The plan still must get a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate.

It includes about $15 billion in cuts, as well as borrowing from local governments and some gimmicks to generate revenue in the 2009-10 fiscal year that started July 1, according to the Associated Press.

Some details emerged as the leaders prepared to brief their fellow lawmakers:

From the Media News Group Sacramento Bureau:

From the Media News Group Sacramento Bureau:

Democratic legislative leaders expressed growing optimism this afternoon that they were close to a deal to repair the state's $26.3 billion deficit -- but still are perhaps hours away from finalizing one.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, emerged briefly for a 1:30 p.m. lunch break after putting in a couple hours of last-minute negotiations with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the two Republican leaders, who echoed the Democrats' optimism.

Steinberg and Bass said they expect to wrap up an agreement by the end of the day.

Major hurdles included ensuring schools and community colleges would get paid back $9.3 billion from cuts being made in next year's budget; borrowing as much as $4 billion from city and county coffers; and building a reserve fund up to $1 billion.

Negotiations over closing California's $26.3 billion budget deficit appeared stuck Friday, as government offices closed for the second time this month and a health program for low-income children stopped accepting new applicants.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature's four top lawmakers scheduled a meeting Friday afternoon to work out a disagreement over repaying billions of dollars to schools halted talks earlier in the week.

With little apparent action in the Capitol, the effects of California's fiscal crisis were being felt throughout the state.

Most state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, were closed Friday as part of the three-day-a-month furloughs ordered by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

GOP state Senate leader Dennis Hollingsworth made the following comments about the appointment of Sen. Bob Huff to the position of Senate Republican Caucus chairman

"Senator Bob Huff is a man of great integrity, and a conservative leader, whose abilities will greatly benefit our state," Hollingsworth said.

"He has an excellent grasp of the issues that concern all of us in these tough times; balancing the budget without tax increases, providing a quality education for our children, and bringing economic vitality and jobs back to California."

Sen. Bob Huff on Thursday was named Senate Republican Caucus chairman -- the second highest ranking leadership post for a Republican in the state Senate -- by Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth effective Aug. 1.

The caucus chairman assists the Republican leader in the party's main policy objectives and communicates with other members and party leaders regarding positions on specific issues.

"I am honored that Senator Hollingsworth trusts me to help him lead the Republicans," Huff said.

"I am excited to tackle a new set of challenges and look forward to serving the people of this state.

"Together, we will be a strong voice advocating a reformed budget process and more accountability and transparency for the taxpayers of California."

State Sen. Bob Huff, R-Walnut, has been selected as chairman of the Senate Republican caucus.

He was appointed by GOP leader Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murrieta.

On Aug. 1, Huff will replace Sen. George Runner, R-Victorville.

Huff represents the 29th District, which includes San Dimas, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Chino Hills and part of Chino.

Rep. Joe Baca has announced he has been told by the White House that the 43rd Congressional District will receive $48.8 million in funding for municipal bonds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Initial funding numbers were released by the White House in June, but congressional offices were only recently notified of an updated funding amount for districts.

This updated funding announcement totals $48.8 million for the 43rd district.

"The proper funding to support municipal bonds is absolutely essential to the economic recovery efforts in the Inland Empire," Baca said.

"I am thrilled to receive the wonderful news from the White House that our area will receive over $48 million in bonding funds.

"In the midst of too many crippling state budget cuts, this money will be used to fund vital construction, transportation, and small business development projects that have the potential to create new, homegrown jobs and get our local economic engine moving again in Southern California."

The $48.8 million in municipal bonding funds to the district is broken down includes: 
-- $17.7 million to Ontario.

-- $13.5 million to Fontana.

"I thank President Obama for his aggressive action to right our economy, and applaud the White House for their leadership in getting this necessary funding out to our local communities in an expedient manner," Baca said.

"With our national recession and our current state fiscal crisis, it is a moral imperative that we act to right our economy, create more jobs, and help working families survive these trying times.

"I am confident this funding for additional municipal bonds will help us achieve these goals."

The state Senate Health Committee voted 7-3 on Wednesday on a joint resolution that urges the federal government to end medical marijuana raids in the state and to "create a comprehensive federal medical marijuana policy that ensures safe and legal access to any patient that would benefit from it."

Senate Joint Resolution 14, introduced in June by State Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco,, comes at a time when the Obama Administration has signaled a willingness to change federal policy, but has yet to come forward with an actual implementation plan.

The resolution now proceeds to the Senate Judiciary Committee then, if passed, to the Senate floor.

Secretary of State Debra Bowen has announced that proponents of an initiative to have mandatory drug and alcohol testing for members of the legislature can collect petition signatures for their measure.

The initiative would:

The Peace Officers Research Association of California has voted to support Assemblyman Anthony Adams against any recall effort.

The association includes more than 62,000 rank-and-file peace officers and 850 local public safety associations.

Adams showed courage when he voted for last February's budget and, in the process, made it possible for emergency services to continue in California, according to an association news release.

The association praised for Adams for recognizing that his oath of office was more important than a pledge that said absolutely no taxes can be raised for any reason.

Although he strongly supports governmental reforms, including spending controls and the rooting out of fraud and abuse, Adams made it clear that experienced emergency personnel must be available when citizens in his district need help, according to the news release.

"We join Assemblyman Adams in supporting systemic changes in government to guarantee that the taxpayers' money is spent in a responsible manner," assocation President Ron Cottingham said.

"We have learned from Anthony Adams that government needs to be transparent and government officials need to be held accountable. However, on the way to reform, it does not make sense to drive a car over the cliff and have chaos instead of the necessary responsible restructuring."

The secretary of state in May approved a signature collection drive to recall Adams. Supporters of the recall have until Oct. 13 to submit at least 35,825 valid signatures from registered voters in the 59th Assembly District, or 20 percent of voters in the last Assembly election.

Adams is a Republican who represents the 59th District, which includes La Verne and Claremont.

Cal Poly Pomona graduate and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis in June visited Los Angeles to help kick off her new boss' -- President Barack Obama's -- summer service initiative, United We Serve.

She spoke with a reporter from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune about how she is settling into her new job.

The question and answer follows:

Rep. Joe Baca issued the following statement on Tuesday after attending the Senate confirmation hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, for the position of associate justice on the Supreme Court.

Baca attended the hearing as a Congressional guest.

He is a Democrat who represents the 43rd District, which includes Fontana and Ontario.

Baca made the following statements:

Sen. Barbara Boxer on Tuesday spoke at a hearing titled "Economic Opportunities for Agriculture, Forestry, and Others in Reducing Global Warming Pollution."

During the meeting, lawmakers spoke about how they will address opportunities for businesses in sectors such as agriculture and forestry when it comes to against global warming.

This was the first of three hearings scheduled for this week to address aspects of the lawmakers' plan to avoid unchecked global warming, creating clean energy jobs in America and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Boxer's remarks included:

The head of a national non-partisan senior citizens group has presented the Benjamin Franklin Award to Rep. Gary G. Miller.

"Rep. Miller has a record of voting to repeal this terrible 'death' tax," 60 Plus Association President Jim Martin said.

The Death Tax -- otherwise known as the federal estate tax -- is defined by the Internal Revenue Service as "a tax on your right to transfer property at your death."

"It was Franklin who famously said there are two certainties in life, death and taxes, but because of the estate or 'death' tax, there is a third certainty -- taxes after death. 60 Plus decided to give a Benjamin Franklin award to those who support repeal.

"It is with a great deal of pride that 60 Plus honors Rep. Miller with the Benjamin Franklin Award because if Rep. Miller has his way, we will get rid of that third certainty--taxes after death--and make Mr. Franklin's famous quote accurate once again."

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein praised Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's "deep and broad experience in the law" during opening remarks delivered at Monday's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing.

Following are some of Feinstein's remarks:

Sen. Barbara Boxer on Tuesday made the following statements prior to a hearing on "Legislative Tools for Addressing Global Warming."

Boxer comments included the following:

Senate Bill 548 and Senate Bill 598, both authored by Sen. Bob Huff passed through two key Assembly policy committees on Tuesday with bipartisan support.

Senate Bill 548 ensures that people who have given to their country to protect our nation are protected from fraud and abuse.

The bill was approved by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy.

A package of legislation by Assemblywoman Norma J. Torres that would improve the state's 9-1-1 system was approved Tuesday by the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communication.

The bills were passed with bi-partisan support.