Budget Update
We were called into session on February 14, where we remained until February 19. This was an unprecedented marathon session demonstrating the seriousness of the situation. We were given very few details on the plan initially because the Democrats were sure they had secured the Republican votes needed to pass the budget bills. This was not a move I considered to be democratic or bipartisan in any way. The budget process should be transparent, with legislative and public input.
To close the estimated $42 billion gap, the budget contains a mix of program cuts, borrowing and the most problematic to me-new taxes (including an increase in the vehicle license fee, sales and personal income taxes). I believe these taxes will not just be bad for our hardworking families, struggling to make ends meet, but could be devastating to this state as we continue to drive wealthy taxpayers and businesses out of state. It has historically been tested -- raising taxes in a down economy does not bring the desired results of increased revenue to the state, because new or higher taxes changes people’s behavior. I heard loud and clear from my constituents at an average 100 to 1 asking me to hold the line and vote “no” on this budget. These taxes will cost an average household making $75k approximately $900 according to the Sacramento Bee. To compute your own family’s cost, please visit my website and click on the Tax Calculator.
While our state was on the brink of economic oblivion, a reality I was keenly aware of, I could not in good conscience support something I felt would be of detriment to this great state. I realize the impact cuts will have on many of our daily services, including education. Like your family, the state has to tighten its belt right now and only then can we begin to rebuild.
I did hear from a handful of people saying they were willing to have their taxes raised and to them I would say if there ever is a time to raise taxes, this is not it. While your own family’s budget may be fine, the reality is we have many people defaulting on their home loans. Some would argue this is the root cause of our downturn. I cannot go to them asking for more which they clearly do not have.
State workers contacted me to express their disappointment about furloughs and pay cuts. As harsh as it sounds, we cannot take for granted that working for the state means never being subject to a decrease in salary or a layoff. Every large company in America is doing this and California cannot act differently. Our small businesses are struggling as well. We are a global economy of our own and our revenues are down. It is a simple math equation.
While I could not support the tax increases, I am pleased with some of the reforms my colleagues were able to negotiate as a part of the package of bills. These include providing businesses with incentives to hire new employees, giving schools more control over the state money they receive and preventing future deficits like this with a spending limit and rainy day fund. Additionally, we not only tackled the decline in revenues for our already adopted 08/09 budget, but we passed our budget for the 09/10 budget four months early, a new record.
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Capitol Update
I was recently recognized by the California Small Business Association (CSBA) for my dedication to the issues that matter most to small businesses. Issues of importance to CSBA in 2008 included budget reform, fair and equal tax policies, state and local procurement and affordable technology services and education.
My honor roll recognition of Summa Cum Laude by the CSBA was for supporting the issues important to CSBA and working to form a relationship with small businesses in my district. I plan to continue that working relationship in 2009.
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Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project Update
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently released a Draft Environmental Impact Report listing the Southern California Edison-proposed Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) as the preferred route to bring wind power to the Southern California region.
The TRTP would include new and upgraded electric transmission lines and substations between eastern Kern County and the city of Ontario in San Bernardino County. The project is needed to interconnect renewable wind power generated in the Tehachapi area to the existing electric transmission system to meet the increasing demand of electricity in Southern California.
The Chino Hills segment of the route, however, has been a matter of contention since the City of Chino Hills and the community became aware of the project.
Over 1,000 adjacent property owners are within 500 feet —many closer-- to the towers being proposed by Edison. These towers are projected to climb to 198 feet and have a wing span for transmission lines of 60 feet. The hazards posed by such high and long conductors put the citizens of Chino Hills at great risk.
For some time, I have partnered with the City of Chino Hills in advocating for a reasonable compromise and considerably safer alternative. I support bringing wind power to the region, but to do so safely, the transmission lines must be kept a safe distance from residential communities and schools. Contrary to the CPUC’s decision, there are other viable options out there that do not risk the health and safety of the public. My office will continue working closely with the City of Chino Hills to fight this ill-conceived decision.
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Around the District
With the budget crisis requiring me to be in Sacramento, I wasn’t in the district as much as I would have liked this month, but I did manage to squeeze in a few key events:
I met with Glendora Councilman Ken Herman to get a city briefing. I have had my district office in Glendora since I became a senator last December and have really enjoyed spending time in this beautiful community. It was important to me to hear from the councilman about the issues facing the city.
My wife, Mei Mei, and I attended the Puente Hills Republican Women Federated meeting to install the new officers and give a legislative update. One of the long-time members of this club is Mary Ann King, TV celebrity from Romper Room. This is a great group of women who are doing some really great things in the community.
I had a chance to visit with Dr. Maria Ott, Superintendent of the Rowland Unified School District to discuss education issues in the district. As your representative and as Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I believe that every child in California should have access to the best quality of education possible. I also met with representatives from Disney, who shared their concerns about the proposed amusement park tax.
I was graciously invited to address the California Trucking Association to thank their out-going president and congratulate the in-coming President, Valerie Liese of Chino Hills. As Vice-Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I will continue to focus on how to best meet the transportation needs of my district and of the state.
My wife, Mei Mei, and I attended the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce 120th Annual Inaugural dinner. Ms. Fran Inman, Senior Vice President of Majestic Realty, and advocate for better regional transportation, was installed as President. I also made it to the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce installation dinner. It is important to me to hear from Chambers of Commerce as to how I can better represent the businesses of California.
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Sierra Madre Mudflows
As California receives the rain it so desperately needs, with it comes the greater threat of mudflows in burn areas. One area that is prone to mudflows is the community of Sierra Madre. As we have seen recently, the community has been actively working to protect lives and property through their clean-up and mitigation efforts. I applaud the City of Sierra Madre and volunteers for their tireless efforts in preventing physical injuries and property damage in the recent mudflows.
In conjunction with the California Conservation Corps, Los Angeles County engineers, public safety personnel, and community volunteers, the City of Sierra Madre has coordinated proactive and reactive responses to the continuing threat of mudflows to the region. Residents of Sierra Madre have also coordinated within their own neighborhoods to fight back the threat to property and lives through shoveling mud and clearing roads of debris for emergency responders. They have been an asset to the emergency responders.
I join the City of Sierra Madre in extending my sincere thanks to each person involved in these efforts. I am in direct contact with the City of Sierra Madre and will be monitoring the mudflow situation. My office and its services will be made available should they be needed as the situation progresses. For immediate questions on mudflows in the City of Sierra Madre, please contact City Hall at 626.355.7135.
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Business Profile - Parties by Panache of Brea
Parties by Panache went through some extraordinary measures during the freeway complex fire in November. Hollis O’Brien, owner of Parties by Panache, was evacuated from her home due to the fire, but her business was scheduled to cater a Holiday Gala in Diamond Bar on November 16. Although evacuated from her home, Hollis went to work to prepare food for 300 people scheduled to attend the Gala. When the Gala was cancelled due to the fire, Hollis agreed to donate the food to Diamond Bar Evacuees at Diamond Bar High School. The problem though was the freeway between Brea and Diamond Bar was closed. That didn’t stop Hollis, who went out of her way to deliver the food to the shelter set up by the Red Cross. The evacuees were able to dine on Filet Mignon, Stuffed Chicken Breast, and lots of other yummy food during a very difficult time. Parties by Panache went above and beyond to provide the meals. A situation like this tells you a lot about a person and a company.
Hollis O’Brien founded Parties by Panache in 1987. Originally located in historic Downtown Fullerton, Parties by Panache relocated to Brea in 1995 where it now occupies a 3,200 square foot facility and employs 10 full time staff members. Hollis brought 9 years of professional experience, including operating both a successful Manhattan restaurant “Hollis & Co.” and a cooking school with her when she and Tori White-Klug opened Panache. They are very well known for their excellent food and service and have built a strong following. Not only do they cater Orange County events, but also events in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties.
Parties by Panache donates leftover food from parties to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. This amounts to 10 to 50 pounds of food every week. They also support Charitable Organizations such as Crittenton Services, The Women’s Transitional Living Center in Fullerton, Ronald McDonald House and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This past December, Parties by Panache donated food to the Santa Ana Zoo’s holiday “Dream Night” for 300 seriously ill children, who spent the evening with the animals, storytellers, magicians, Santa, riding the Carousel and train and enjoying their only holiday outing.
I am very thankful to Parties by Panache for all they do for their community.
Parties by Panache is located at:
2808 E. Imperial Highway
Brea California 92821
(714) 572 2190
www.partiesbypanache.com
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California Water Plan
The Public Review Draft of Volume 3 of the California Water Plan is posted on the Water Plan web site.
Volume 3 includes Regional Reports about the 10 hydrologic regions, the mountain counties area, the Delta, and a comprehensive look at the entire state. Each report includes a discussion of the region, key challenges, ongoing programs, and information on water supplies and how they are used.
Workshops on the Public Review Draft will begin in February and will be scheduled through May. Comments about the draft are due by June 5.
Click here for a flier about the Public Review Draft and the planned Workshops.
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