Greetings
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter. "Mimi's Message" is designed to keep you informed on the most current events and issues facing our community and State. As always, please feel free to contact me with feedback or questions.
-MIMI WALTERS
Senator, 33rd District
www.senate.ca.gov/walters
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Not Perfect, But New Budget Contains Taxpayer Win
The most recent budget "update" to pass the California Legislature was not perfect. In fact, despite the much-needed cuts in bloated government spending-which did not go as far as we would have liked-it was similar to every other budget in the past five years: a collection of gimmicks, cost shifts, and PR-driven distractions. But for the first time in many years, California taxpayers won a huge victory in reforming some major, systematic fraud in our state's welfare services.
Some have called the reforms that have just been signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger draconian and an attack on the poorest and most vulnerable. But, nothing could be further from the truth. We have learned that most of these attacks are being made from those who have a financial stake in maintaining the status quo, particularly those who want to continue receiving benefits without the drudgery of work.
Since 1996, when President Bill Clinton signed the Welfare Reform Act, individuals were no longer allowed to stay on the welfare rolls indefinitely. Those receiving cash assistance were required to meet minimum work requirements.
Unfortunately, even with these landmark federal reforms, California accounts for 33 percent of the nation's welfare recipients, while only 12 percent of the American population resides here. Were it not for the new reforms included in the latest version of the budget, federal penalties on California could have grown to $400 million in future years.
The State of California had previously provided no fiscal incentive for welfare recipients to become self-sufficient and participate in work-related activities. A single-adult household is required to have the welfare recipient work 32 hours per week. A two-adult household requires just 35 hours of work by one adult each week. The reforms will ensure that welfare recipients meet federal work standards by allowing them to take advantage of job training, community service, resume workshops, volunteering, attending high school diploma programs, or vocational training. Some additional reforms sought by Senate Republicans will expand the number of legitimate individuals eligible to receive assistance during these difficult times by strengthening accountability procedures and making periodic reviews of the program. The implementation of these common-sense reforms should save California's taxpayers $510 million over the 2009-10 fiscal year.
While this latest budget compromise does not include the fiscal restraint and limited government Republican legislators would ultimately like to see, California has finally joined the rest of the nation by encouraging welfare recipients to join the workforce. Our goal should be clear: help those who need it most by empowering them to become self-sufficient, and use state and federal resources to foster the skills welfare recipients need to reach that goal.
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Regulations to Repeal
Last week, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to begin the process to link California law to the recent law passed by Congress and signed by the President to adopt the so-called "Cap and Trade" program to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an admirable goal, mandating a broad-based reduction will have serious economic impacts on our economy by making it more expensive for manufacturers and businesses to operate in California.
California's "commitment" to reducing greenhouse gas emissions started with the passage of Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32). Until the passage of AB 32, California's unemployment numbers roughly tracked with the rest of the nation. Since the bill's passage, the threat of an entirely new wave of regulation, and CARB's desire to punish those who create jobs by levying sanctions and fines on businesses, our unemployment rate is now a full 2% higher than the rest of the country.
Now that the process is in place to put California into "compliance" with the federal Cap and Trade law, it will serve to drive more businesses out of the State. If California links existing state law to federal law, the large manufacturers in our state will be able to continue operating. However, the small businesses that are already operating on razor-thin profit margins will not be able to purchase the credits needed to stay in business.
If we intend to turn around California's economy and restore our ability to fund programs, we must stop attacking the companies who wish to operate here and serve to generate revenue. CARB and other regulatory agencies have a real impact on California's economy and our ability to retain businesses and jobs. We cannot afford to have regulators taking actions that eliminate our ability to emerge from the current recession.
To learn more about this issue or to find out how you can become more involved, please call (916) 651-4033 and ask for the consultant who deals with regulatory matters.
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Impending Regulations
It appears that it may be getting easier for students to graduate in California. However, the reason is not that the quality of education students receive has suddenly improved. Instead, the State Board of Education is setting up new procedures to increase the passage rate of the California High School Exit Exam to be passed prior to a student receiving a diploma.
The High School Exit Exam, which has been administered since 2006, requires students to be proficient in English and math prior to graduation from high school. For the English section, students are required to have at least an 8th grade reading level and must answer 60% of the questions correctly to pass. For the math section, students are required to have a proficiency equivalent to most 7th graders and must answer 55% of the questions correctly.
Given the fact that students can take the test numerous times over their academic careers, it is telling that regulators now propose to increase the number of times the test may be taken in the 12th grade from three to five. In order to increase passage rates, regulators are giving students additional opportunities to take the test.
Making it easier to pass tests is not a way to improve education. We should give more attention to teaching students basic skills needed to succeed, instead of teaching graduating students to pass a test at an 8th grade level.
The proposed regulation will be discussed at a public hearing on September 8th at 10:30 am in Sacramento. To learn more about this proposed regulation or other upcoming regulatory actions, please call (916) 651-4033 to speak with our consultant responsible for regulatory review.
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Blind Children's Learning Center
On July 24, the Blind Children's Learning Center (BCLC), a private non-profit organization, held its pre-school graduation ceremony honoring nine children who will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Many of the graduating students will attend public elementary schools where they will be able to incorporate the skills they have learned at BCLC. During the ceremony, the students, led by their teachers and dressed in purple caps and gowns, performed songs, dances and poetry for the audience. The teachers also took time to reflect on each student, sharing stories of progress and classroom memories.
The mission of the Blind Children's Learning Center, located in Santa Ana, is to assist in early intervention, education, and services for the blind, visually impaired, and blind and deaf infants, youth, and their families to help them learn to live independently. The Center was founded in 1962 by six blind adults in Orange County who desired to help future generations better adapt to a visually impaired lifestyle. Through experience they found that early intervention and maintenance throughout the school years were key components of successfully building confidence in visually impaired children. The progressive method used by the BCLC begins with educating families about the developmental needs of their blind infant, including in-home teaching. Blind pre-school students in the Early Childhood Center are paired with sighted children helping to smooth the future transition to public school. Furthermore, the BCLC provides coaching and support in the Youth Outreach program to ensure blind children become productive members of society.
Today the Blind Children's Learning Center continues to make progress in enriching the lives of visually impaired children and their families. The holistic methods used have overwhelmingly positive results. Many infants, who were feared might not live productive lives, have learned to walk and talk. The majority of Early Childhood graduates successfully integrate into public school classrooms. Although the unemployment rate for the blind is approximately 70%, many of the BCLC graduates have thriving careers. For more information on the Blind Children's Learning Center, please visit their website at www.blindkids.org.
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Business Achievement Awards
Recently, the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce held its Annual President's Business Achievement Awards Dinner where it honored businesses that have contributed to the community. All Blue Print, operated by President Melissa Huerta, was the recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. The Medium Business of the Year Award went to Mulberry Street Ristorante which is also celebrating 25 years in Fullerton. The award for Large Business of the Year was MG Disposal, which has generously supported the community of Fullerton for over 50 years. Two additional accolades were also given: The Quality of Life Award, received by the Muckenthaler Cultural Center and the Chamber Member of the Year, Beverly Thomson, co-owner of HostingOC.com. Congratulations to these outstanding businesses for their hard work and commitment to excellence.
The neighboring Orange Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Installation Dinner on July 9th, at which outgoing Chairman, Jeff Protzman, was recognized for his service to the Chamber as well as the business community. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange where Mr. Protzman serves as the General Manager. Mr. Protzman has worked for the Doubletree as a General Manager for the past 23 years where he has been responsible for multiple locations and the oversight of several renovations. Mr. Protzman's experience meeting customer needs has provided him with the skills necessary to chair the Orange Chamber and simultaneously co-chair the City of Orange's Economic Development Committee.
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August Events
August 4 - Fullerton Arboretum, Family Night - Fun, educational activities for children and their families. The theme this week is "Birds of Prey." $5 per family. 1900 Associated Rd., Cal State Fullerton campus, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information call (657) 278-3407.
August 6 - 27 - City of Tustin "Movies in the Park" - Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets and spend an evening under the stars with your family. The Tustin Library will be storytelling before each movie on Thursdays at dusk. August 6 "Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa," Frontier Park, 1400 Mitchell Ave. August 13 "Everyone's Hero," Magnolia Park, 2274 Fig Tree Dr. August 20 "The Tale of Despereaux," Cedar Grove Park, 11385 Pioneer Rd. August 27 "Enchanted," Centennial Park, 14722 Devonshire Ave. For more information call (714) 573-3326.
Through August 9 - The Orange County Fair - The OC Fair offers a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides, and hands-on summer activities including concerts, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests and games. Wednesday through Friday, noon to midnight, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to midnight, closed Monday and Tuesday. General admission (13-59) $10, Seniors (60+) $7, Children (6-12) $5, kids 5 and under are free. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. For more information, call (714) 708-3247 or go to www.ocfair.com.
August 15 - Senior Resource Fair - Buena Park Senior Center at the Walter D. Ehlers Community Recreation Center, 8150 Knott Avenue, Buena Park, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. More than 80 vendors including HMO's, health professionals, financial planners, home healthcare agencies, elder law attorneys, hospice providers and more. Admission is free and health screenings will be available at no cost. For more information call (714) 236-3870 or go to www.bplegacy.org.
August 15 - Swingin' on the Promenade - The Promenade at Center Street and Lemon, Downtown Anaheim is transformed into a 1940's outdoor swing dance club. This year, Jonathan Stout Orchestra will take the stage! Presented by the Downtown Anaheim Association. Free admission and parking. Free dance lesson by OC Swing at 6:00 pm, then dance until 10:00 pm! For more information call Shelley Reeves (714) 956-3586 or go to www.downtownanaheim.com.
August 16 - City of Lake Forest Summer Concert - Orange County Pacific Symphony will be performing and admission is free. This event is from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Pittsford Park, 21701 Pittsford Dr. For more information call (949) 461-3450.
August 19 - Combat Fraud Forum - Congressman Ed Royce will host a forum on Identity Theft, Mortgage Loans, Investment Scams, and Charity Fraud. Representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, the California Office of Privacy Protection and the United States Postal Inspection Service will be on hand to provide valuable information to combat fraud. Buena Park Senior Activity Center, 8150 Knott Ave. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, free admission. For more information, contact Congressman Ed Royce's office at (714) 744-4130.
August 21 - Classic engines and rock music take over downtown Anaheim, Center Street Promenade and Lemon, during Rumble and Rock. Held every third Friday of the month, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This event features free concerts by local rock bands and a showcase of classic bikes and cars. On Friday, August 21st, enjoy live entertainment by Chris Bell 100% Blues & Burlington Express! Various vendor booths and surprise visits from celebrity sports stars. For more information, contact Shelley Reeves (714) 956-3586 or go to www.downtownanaheim.com.
August 26 - City of Orange Concerts in the Park - Bring your picnic baskets and low-lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music under the summer's starry sky. Film @ Eleven - Motown and R & B Classics. Hart Park Bandshell, 701 South Glassell Street at the 22 Freeway. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. For more information, call (714) 744-7278.
Through August 31 - Pageant of the Masters - Each night during the summer season at 8:30 pm - Ninety minutes of "living pictures" - art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. For information call (949) 494-1145.
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