I want to thank those of you who wrote or called me about my last newsletter message on the budget.

It's great to know so many people are interested in their state government and concerned about schools and parks and all the resources and services that others take for granted. I always say the residents of the 1st Assembly District are some of the most engaged, best informed people in the state - and once again you're proving me right.

As many of you so rightly point out, the budget is issue #1 this year. A $16 billion deficit is not only a huge problem, but it comes when all of the easier fixes have been exhausted. We pared it back to $8 billion through an extraordinary set of mid-year spending reductions, but we still face a problem that might grow to $10 billion by the time summer arrives.

We're now at the point where we need to apply a balanced approach, raising our revenues while making even more cuts to our spending. That's a sticking point for Republicans, who recently rejected efforts to close a loophole that allows yacht owners to avoid sales tax simply by virtue of having more money than the rest of us.

Those of us who want a balanced approach believe the Republican stance on the yacht loophole bodes very poorly for the negotiations ahead. But a bright spot has now emerged as the Governor has tentatively joined our call for a reasoned response. He has asked us to "get creative" in finding ways to raise revenue. Whether he can sway members of his party to join that creative process remains to be seen.

There are literally billions of dollars of old tax loopholes that could be eliminated. This would raise money for schools and police and health services, and it could all be done without touching our sales tax rates or our income tax rates.

Until next time,

Patty Berg

Bills on the Move

I have posted all my new bills on my website to make it easier for you to follow my efforts.

They are there for your inspection whenever it's convenient for you. In the meantime, I plan on mentioning a couple of the bills in each newsletter.

New Cell Phone Rules this Summer

It's still a few months away, but as of July 1, a new law takes effect that prohibits motorists from the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. As of that date, you will only be able to use a cell phone while driving if you have a hands-free device.

A first-time offense could bring a $20 ticket, and any subsequent violations could set you back $50 each.

Exceptions to the law include allowing drivers to make emergency calls, such as 911 or law enforcement, as well as permitting drivers of emergency response vehicles to use cell phones without a hand-held device. Drivers of commercial vehicles will not be subject to the law until July 1, 2011.

Also going into effect on July 1st is a complete ban on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by teenage drivers (those through nineteen years old). The penalties are the same.

Quagga Mussels

Lake County officials are trying their best to keep quagga mussels from getting a foothold in Clear Lake. Quagga mussels are an invasive species, a tiny little mussel that has plagued the Great Lakes for years.

Officials here want to avoid an expensive battle with these small invaders by keeping them out of the lake in the first place. Because once they're in, they crowd out native species, can cause serious damages to boats, colonize all underwater surfaces such as boat ramps and docks requiring constant cleaning. Even more seriously, the spread of quagga can result in millions of dollars in damage to water transport facilities.

The Department of Fish and Game along with Lake County is urging the public to wash their boats thoroughly and to watch for quagga mussels. Please visit the Department of Fish and Game website for more prevention tips.

Del Norte and Humboldt Student Artwork Displayed in Sacramento

I am pleased to announce that artwork from students in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties has been on display at the State Capitol. Students from six schools have participated and are displaying artwork: South Fortuna Elementary School; EXCEL After School Program (Humboldt); Joe Hamilton Elementary, Kids 1st Program (Del Norte); Blue Lake School, Kids Corner After School Program (Humboldt); Peninsula Union Elementary School (Humboldt); Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary School; EXCEL After School Program (Humboldt); and Pine Hill & South Bay Schools, After School Program (Humboldt).

Each school has a theme for the artwork. I'm glad I don't have to judge these great efforts, because I'd give them all a blue ribbon.

Green Entrepreneur Award

For the Sixth Annual Green Entrepreneur Award, I am pleased to announce that Cypress Grove Chevre of Arcata received this year's recognition. The award recognizes small businesses in Northern California that use green business practices. Cypress Grove Chevre is well-known for using sustainable farming techniques to make their world-famous artisan cheeses. For some information on the company, go to: http://www.cypressgrovechevre.com/.

Eye Care America

The American Academy of Opthalmology unveiled a new website as an educational tool to educate Americans about eye diseases. I urge you to check the website http://www.eyecareamerica.org/ to find information and learn of free programs this foundation offers.

Are you considering volunteer work?
Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a powerful way to change the world. Each day in California, 70 children who have been abused or neglected join the state's population of nearly 80,000 children in foster care. As dependents of the court, these children pass through a court system which can leave them frightened, confused and alone. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time - and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive. Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? Inquire about the power you have to change a child's life at http://www.californiacasa.org/