The Benoit Bulletin

Greetings

Welcome to The Benoit Bulletin. This e-report provides updates and information on what is happening in the State Capitol and around the 37th Senate District. I trust you will find it informative, and I invite you to share it with your friends.

Inside The Capitol: Renewable Energy Developments

Touring a wind farm in the Coachella Valley

In mid-September, after considering hundreds of bills, the Legislature formally adjourned to conclude the first year of the 2009-10 Legislative Session. In addition to the budget, this year was marked by significant discussions on longstanding issues crucial to California’s future, such as renewable energy.

The Governor recently signed an Executive Order to create a pathway towards implementing a 33 percent green renewable energy portfolio standard by 2020. Boosted by some State and federal incentives, California is well on the way, with solar panel installations projected to grow 120 percent this year.

I penned an opinion-editorial in The Desert Sun outlining my support of these goals, which can be seen here.

Legislative Update

I was proud to take 2009 as an opportunity to build on my legislative record in the Assembly (2002-08), in which thirty-five of my bills became law. Today, one Senate measure has already been signed into law and the other four await the consideration of Governor Schwarzenegger:

Good Samaritan Protection Act (SB 39): Reacted decisively and urgently to a December 2008 ruling by the California Supreme Court which threatened lawsuits upon Good Samaritans. My bill, in concert with AB 83 which I co-authored, restores critical legal protections. They took effect immediately when they were signed in August.

Retired Officers Badges (SB 169): Allows local and state law enforcement agencies to issue honorary retiree badges to officers following their dedicated service to the public.

Escrow Industry Fee Limits (SB 204): Places limits on fees, levied against licensed escrow agents and businesses by the Department of Corporations, in order to create a more favorable business environment for California’s escrow industry.

Taxpayer Protection (SB 321): Increases the integrity and transparency of local benefit assessment elections. This is the first bill sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association to reach the Governor’s desk in the organization’s thirty-year history.

Probation Reform (SB 431): Improves probation oversight by eliminating wasteful duplicative supervision and facilitating community reintegration for offenders. Together with SB 678, which I coauthored, the probation reforms will save $30 million annually.

Redistricting

Last fall, California voters approved Proposition 11 which took the process of drawing legislative districts out of politicians’ hands and instead turned this power over to a representative panel of 14 California citizens.  This commission, with five Republicans, five Democrats, and four individuals with third-party or no party affiliation, will be tasked with carving the State into 80 Assembly and 40 Senate Districts after the 2010 Census.

The application process for the Citizens Redistricting Commission will begin no later than January 1, 2010.  If you’re interested in serving, please bookmark the official redistricting commission website for updates.

Around The District

Representatives from the Banning Police Activities League updated me on all their wonderful activities at the Banning community coffee. From left to right: Brendon Burke, Carlos Gomez, Paul Bradford, Daniel Gomez, me, Nikole Gregg, Carol Vasquez, Dania Gutierrez, and Police Chief Leonard Purvis.

Supporting Our Troops: Returning-from-duty Marines have flown into the Palm Springs International Airport from all over the world. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, Soldiers Organized Services, 6,000 Marines who could not otherwise afford a $200 cab ride to Twentynine Palms have been provided trips to the base since January 2007. Yesterday, a new rest facility – with showers, a recreational area, and family room – for these soldiers was dedicated in Palm Springs. Read today’s Desert Sun for more about the organization and the American Cab Company’s generous donation of space for this worthy effort.

Receiving the Distinguished Citizen of the Year honor by the Corona Boy Scouts.

Corona Boy Scouts Honor: The Temescal District Boy Scouts of America recently presented me with the Distinguished Citizen of the Year honor. As a former Scout, I appreciate receiving this recognition from an organization fully dedicated to developing the future leaders of America and instilling values that make this country so great.

California Conservation Corps Hiring: Among the professionals who stepped up to combat California wildfires were the young men and women in the California Conservation Corps ( CCC). Corpsmembers take on wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. I was pleased to find out that this agency hires year-round, seeking out 18 to 25-year olds for a year of paid service in the CCC. Those interested in learning more can call the CCC at (800) 952-5627.

Meeting with students at Sundance Elementary. Photo Credit: Erin Walder, Press-Enterprise. See this excellent write-up here.

Productive Day In The Pass: A couple weeks ago, I made a few stops in Banning and Beaumont. I started my morning commending students at Sundance Elementary. Opened in August 2004, this Beaumont school has been named a Title I Academic Achievement Award School for the past three years. Following the visit and a public safety briefing with the Commander of the local CHP station, I partnered with the Beaumont and Banning Chambers of Commerce to hold two well-attended community coffee events in each city.

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