July 2007

The Heat is On!
"Remember the Governor's appeal for 'post-partisanship' back in January?  For the first several months of this year, it seemed the political climate in Sacramento had greatly improved.  But the budget impasse of the past month shows we still have a serious partisan divide, at least in the Legislature, compounded by California being one of only three states to require a two-thirds vote to approve the budget (Rhode Island and Arkansas are the others).  It was with remarkable foresight that founding father Alexander Hamilton warned against such a super-majority requirement two centuries ago: "If a pertinacious minority can control the opinion of a majority, respecting the best mode of conducting it, the majority, in order that something may be done, must conform to the views of the minority; and thus the sense of the smaller number will overrule that of the greater, and give a tone to the national proceedings. Hence, tedious delays; continual negotiation and intrigue; contemptible compromises of the public good."  Hamilton pretty well described what occurs this time of year in Sacramento:  perpetual impasses culminating in unsavory compromises to get the two-thirds vote necessary for California to have a budget.   

But at least we finally have a budget.  47 Assembly Democrats and 7 Republicans cast their votes at 4:15 a.m. Friday morning, and the Senate is expected to follow suit in the days ahead.  I'm glad the impasse is over, but not very proud of the process.  This budget comes weeks after the constitutional deadline, and includes painful cuts for public transportation and other priorities.  But in a difficult fiscal climate, at least we fully funded K-12 and higher education and avoided most of the cuts to education and social services that some Republican legislators were seeking.   The final budget is fiscally sound:  no new taxes, no new social programs, and the largest reserve in California history -- $1.3 billion more than even the Governor was proposing.  If revenues continue to decline next year, this additional reserve could be especially important.   Hopefully, our ability to close the deal in the wee hours of the morning and resolve the budget impasse heralds more bipartisan cooperation as we get on with the business of governing the state.

In terms of my legislation, the past month was very productive.  My bills continued to move through the Senate and several received terrific editorial support at home and around the state (see below).  I'm especially pleased that my new bill to stop the Department of Corrections from proceeding with its ill-conceived death row expansion project at San Quentin passed the Senate Public Safety Committee with broad, bipartisan support. 

I'm looking forward to a long-anticipated vacation with my family, to resuming the legislative session on August 20th, and of course to the all-important Democrat v. Republican softball game at Sacramento's Raley Field on August 21st.  I'll be playing shortstop and trying my best to avoid major injuries.  I hope you are having a wonderful summer and look forward to updating you next month."     

Jared

Legislative update

Advancing my bills through Senate policy committees has required a lot of work by staff and my bill sponsors, but I'm pleased to report that all but one bill has now passed out of the last policy committee and on to Senate Appropriations (I expect the remaining bill to clear its last policy committee in the days ahead).  After the Legislature re-convenes in late August, the focus will be on the fiscal implications of the bills as we work to move them out of the Appropriations Committee and on to the Senate Floor.  My bills on solar hot water heating (AB 1470), lighting efficiency (AB 1109), and the expansion of death row at San Quentin (AB 1743) continue to garner the most media coverage.  I was pleased that each of these bills recently received absolutely stellar editorials in support. I have pasted below quotes from the editorials as well as their links for your review.

Statewide Media Coverage

Sacramento Bee

Article published - Jun 22, 2007
Editorial: Warming up to solar
Bill on water heaters deserves passage

"AB 1470, by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, would set a small surcharge on natural gas bills to generate $250 million over 10 years. Combined with a federal tax credit, this pool of funding would help homeowners halve the cost of installing solar water heaters."

"Huffman's legislation deserves passage for the same reason lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last year enacted Senate Bill 1, which created a subsidy for solar electric technologies. Not only do these subsidies help individual homeowners, but they create economies of scale that encourage mass production of solar technologies, making these technologies more viable and self-sustaining compared to other forms of energy."

Read the entire editorial at:
http://www.sacbee.com/editorials/story/251407.html

Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Article published - Jun 23, 2007
Bright idea
Bill would reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

"Fortunately, Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, came up with an alternative plan that should achieve the same goal in a more sensible way. AB 1109 would require a reduction in the amount of energy consumed by 50 percent for indoor lighting and 25 percent for outdoor and commercial lighting by 2018."

Read the entire editorial at:
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20070623/NEWS/706230308&SearchID=73288040211756

Marin Independent Journal

Article published - Jun 30, 2007
San Quentin bill is a good first step

"Migden and Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, have introduced legislation designed to inject some common sense into the debate. Assembly Bill 1743 would order the Bureau of State Audits to evaluate alternatives for housing condemned inmates while keeping the lethal injection chamber at San Quentin. Until that assessment is finished by April, the state would be prevented from spending more on the new death row. Just $13 million of the $220 million approved has been spent.

That makes sense. The Legislature should pass this bill so the governor can sign it."

Read the entire editorial at:
http://www.marinij.com/fastsearchresults/ci_6273434

News

Air Resource Board/ AB 32 Hearing
Assemblymember Huffman was asked to participate in a special Assembly Natural Resources Committee hearing this month which examined allegations that members of the Governor's senior staff have been pressuring the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to weaken global warming protections. The fired Board Chair and recently-resigned Executive Officer testified extensively about being pressured to not push ahead with policies that industry felt were objectionable. Although the administration's staff accused of the pressure tactics refused to testify, other administration witnesses denied the allegations.  Huffman asked hard questions and was quoted in a story in the LA Times in saying; "This is the stuff we have come to expect from the Bush-Cheney administration." Read the entire article at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-air7jul07,1,3094133

Spare the Air
Tired of the haze that comes with the summer heat? Well, you can help do something about it. Join with others in the 6th Assembly District and take action on a "Spare the Air" Day.

What is Spare the Air? It is a voluntary program that asks people to reduce using their automobiles on smoggy days, between June 15th through October 12th, when there is more pollution.

Here's what you can do to Spare the Air:

• Use public transit, ridesharing, or telecommuting.
• If you must drive, then don't drive alone. Try getting into a carpool.
• Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid. If you're barbecuing, try using an electric starter or a chimney starter.
• Try using non-aerosol sprays. Aerosol hair sprays, for example, release almost 20 tons of pollution into the Bay Area's air each day. Switching to pumps or gels can make a difference!
• Avoid using gasoline-powered yard equipment.
  

Celebrate July as Recreation and Parks Month
This year, communities throughout the country have declared July to be "National Recreation and Parks Month." July is the perfect month to highlight the many healthy and fun-filled recreational programs that local, state and federal park and recreation agencies offer in the 6th Assembly District, as well as throughout the state and the nation. The month enables agencies to rally their communities around the ideal of "Healthy Lifestyles and Livable Communities."

Not only do recreation and park services bring families together and preserve the environment, they can also energize us, help prevent burnout and keep us physically fit and mentally alert. For example:

• Every additional mile you walk adds 20 minutes to your life and saves society 34 cents in medical and other costs;
• Children involved in after-school recreation/academic programs show improvement in their grades; and
• The value of a tree is projected to be $275 a year in public cost savings through a reduction in air pollution and soil erosion and in increased energy conservation.

Here are the parks located within the 6th Assembly District:

• Angel Island State Park
• Annadel State Park
• China Camp State Park
• Jack London State Historic Park
• Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park
• Mount Tamalpais State Park
• Olompali State Historic Park
• Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
• Samuel P. Taylor State Park
• Sonoma Coast State Beach
• Sonoma State Historic Park
• Tomales Bay State Park
  

Around the District

Sustainable 06 Award - Vella Cheese - Assembly Member Huffman named his monthly Sustainable 6 award to Vella Cheese Company of Sonoma. Vella Cheese Company has installed a 30 kilowatt solar electric system; with 234 solar panels mounted flat on the roof of its factory. The company also has retrofitted lighting for energy efficiency, purchased a high-efficiency water-tube boiler (which saves both energy and water), and uses water conservation practices.

Twin Cities 4th of July Parade - Assembly Member Huffman participated in the Twin Cities 4th of July Parade this month. The parade covered the cities of Corte Madera and Larkspur.

Sonoma Conservation Action Annual Event - Assembly Member Huffman was the keynote speaker at the annual Sonoma Conservation Action Event and touched on issues such as climate change, statewide water policy, and praised the incredible leadership efforts of Sonoma County Conservation Action. Approximately 300 guests showed up to support this noteworthy organization.

Earth Charter of Marin - Assembly Member Huffman was the keynote speaker for the Earth Charter of Marin's June meeting held at the Sausalito Cruising Club. Huffman gave a brief overview and status of his current legislation and then conducted a Q & A for about 45 minutes. Questions and discussion ranged from environmental issues directly affecting Marin, California and the world, to transportation and housing issues in Marin County and throughout his district, to Huffman's own experience as a state legislator.

Jack London State Historical Park - Assembly Member Huffman toured the Beauty Ranch and Jack London Lake at the foot of Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen. The lake's dam is in imminent danger of collapse and Huffman has partnered with the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association (VMNHA) team to help advocate for its restoration. The VMNHA is an organization that cooperates with the CA State Parks by raising money in diverse ways and spending it on local projects. Huffman will be speaking at their September 7th fundraiser event.

Use the District Office as Your Resource

Remember if you are having any state issues that we can be helpful with please contact our office. The District Office is here for you and wants to be used as a resource. Please call the District Office numbers below to request assistance.

How to reach me:

Please feel free to visit my website at www.assembly.ca.gov/Huffman.

Assemblymember Huffman's Committees:

Chair, Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Member, Assembly Appropriations Committee
Member, Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee
Member, Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee

If you know of anyone who you think would like to receive these newsletters, please e-mail their name, mailing address and e-mail address, and I'll be happy to add them to my list.

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