Patty Berg

Happy New Year to all!

The Legislature has a full plate this year. We have a tight budget and an ongoing deficit. We have the Governor’s sweeping health care proposal, and a number of alternative proposals that are no less ambitious.

As chair of the Budget Subcommittee that deals with health and human services, I am examining the Governor’s budget ideas, including his controversial proposal to eliminate aid to children whose parents aren’t working.

I have said this over and over again: I will not balance the budget on the backs of seniors and the most vulnerable citizens. This is about fairness and compassion.

I am sorting through the differences in the various health care proposals. The concepts are good and laudable, but many of the details are not yet clear. As you know, I support a system of universal care in which all Californians have protection all of their lives.

I will continue to work on rural health care needs, including the need for more doctors on the North Coast. My staff and I have been tracking the closing of Sutter hospital in Santa Rosa and what it means to the community.

Earlier this month, the Legislative Women’s Caucus got together to watch the swearing-in of our first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives. It was a sight to see our native daughter, Nancy Pelosi, break the marble ceiling and expand opportunities for generations of women. This is fantastic, I believe, for all Californians.

During the next few weeks, my staff and I will put the finishing touches on my bill package. As you may know, I’ve already introduced a few bills, including one that would recognize out-of-state doctors and nurses during a declared state emergency. Assembly Bill 64 is designed to prevent the kind of bureaucratic barriers that bogged down aid efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It would also allow California doctors and nurses to register before or during an emergency when another state declares an emergency so they can help during natural disasters in those states.

I look forward to another productive legislative session.

Patty Berg
Assemblywoman, 1st District

The Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program

I encourage college graduates with an interest in public service to apply for the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly fellowship program. The fellowship is an 11-month program that gives college graduates the chance to work in the Assembly as a staff member. Fellows are paid a monthly stipend, including health, dental and vision benefits. The Assembly, in conjunction with the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State, administers the program. The application deadline is February 28. You may request an application online at http://www.csus.edu/calst/assembly, by email at calstudies@csus.edu, or phone at
(916) 278-6906.

Farewell Robin

After over 30 years in human services, my good friend Robin Schaef will be retiring from her post as Director of the Sonoma County Division of Adult & Aging Services. Robin has been such an asset to so many for so long, I can’t possibly find the words to properly show the appreciation she deserves. For almost a dozen years, Robin has guided Adult & Aging Services and its many programs so that older adults, disabled adults & children, veterans & their families and the frail elderly can live comfortably and with dignity. Happy retirement, Robin and thank you, for ALL that you’ve done.

Upcoming Events

Beginning this year, I will include events in the district in my newsletter.

Del Norte County:

World Championship Crab Races & Festival
Crescent City Chamber of Commerce’s 42nd Annual Crab Races. This is a truly unique and fun festival for the whole family.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
11-4pm
Del Norte County Fairgrounds in Crescent City
Free admission
CONTACT: 707-464-3174

Sonoma County:

AARP Tax Aide Volunteers will be on hand to help with your taxes at the Bennett Valley Senior Center and Finley Community Center. It is on a first come first serve basis; please notice the designated times and days for each site. Donations will be appreciated.

Bennett Valley Senior Center
Mondays and Wednesdays
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Beginning February 5, 2007
First Come, First Served

Finley Community Center
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Beginning February 6, 2007
First Come, First Served