December 2007 - January 2008

Back to Work - a Budget Crisis, New Bill Deadlines, and More!

"Last week, the calm of the holidays quickly gave way to the frenzy of the new legislative year, with the Governor delivering an ominous State of the State address focused on a potential $14 billion budget shortfall, and with hearings beginning on my "two year" bills. These are bills that were introduced last year but held back from a vote in their committees. Usually this is done because a bill is controversial or needs more work, so these bills almost by definition tend to be a challenge. Add to that the January 25th deadline for getting "two year" bills out of policy committees and you get the picture: in the second year of a legislative session, January is a very busy month. In this case, it is even busier because the Governor's declaration of a "fiscal emergency" automatically triggers a special 45-day deadline for the Legislature to propose solutions to the budget problem. As you may have read, the Governor has proposed a "cuts only" approach, though in truth his proposal relies heavily on borrowing and accounting gimmicks in addition to a straight 10% cut in most aspects of state government. This failure to prioritize results in some very painful - and in my view unacceptable - impacts. For example, the Governor's proposal would close 48 parks and beaches around the state, including two in the 6th District (TomalesBayState Park and PetalumaAdobeHistoricPark). So I will be advocating for a new approach that sets priorities, protects essential programs and services, and includes at least some consideration of revenue enhancement. As we work to address the budget crisis and to advance our two-year bills, my staff and I are also hard at work finalizing the package of roughly 20 new bills we will introduce in the next few weeks. It is a fast-paced, high-stakes time in the Legislature right now, and it's good to be back to work."

Jared

Assembly Passes Health Care Legislation

On December 17th, the California State Assembly passed AB 1X, a landmark health care bill that would make significant progress towards providing coverage for all of our state's uninsured. While the bill must still pass the State Senate, as the product of intense negotiations between Assembly Democrats and Governor Schwarzenegger, it will be signed if it makes it to the Governor's desk. By expanding employer-based coverage (while preserving a level playing field) and creating a state-administered purchasing program to provide coverage for those who cannot obtain it through their jobs, this legislation will cover over 70% of our currently uninsured population.
Here are some of the highlights:

• Extends health coverage to approximately 70% of California's estimated 5.1 million uninsured, including 800,000 children.
• Makes coverage more affordable through a mixture of public program expansions, subsidies, tax credits, and other tax breaks.
• Forbids health insurers from denying insurance due to pre-existing conditions or previous insurance claims, and for the first time imposes limits on health insurers' profits.
• Secures $4.6 billion in additional federal funding through public program expansions and a hospital provider fee.

As a co-author of SB 840 (Kuehl), Assemblymember Huffman supports a single-payer health care system as a long-term solution to healthcare crisis facing California and the rest of the county. However,Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed ;single-payer legislation in 2006 and has promised to veto SB 840 again this year, so Assemblymember Huffman views the immediate reforms provided by AB 1X as critical.

Requested San Quentin Appropriation "Offensive"

Assemblymember Huffman reacted to the Governor's budget proposal with outrage as it included a $136 million appropriation in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's (CDCR) budget for the primary construction phase of the condemned inmate complex at San Quentin.

"This is an insult to just about every major constituency in California, including taxpayers," said Huffman. "At a time when the Governor is asking every other part of state government to accept painful cuts - from schools and parks, to services for indigent children, the disabled, and seniors - he's asking us to spend like a drunken sailor on this ill-conceived project."

Voter Choice Bill Passes Committee

Assemblymember Huffman's Voter Choice Legislation passed the Assembly Elections Committee. The bill, AB 1654, would create a 5-year pilot program to allow certain counties to conduct local, state and federal elections pursuant to a hybrid system that would automatically enroll all voters in a mail-in ballot program, but also give voters new choices on how, when and where to cast their vote. Assemblymember Huffman is continuing to meet with a broad group of stakeholders on potential amendments to ensure that the bill promotes innovative new voting options while preserving the availability of convenient and accessible polling places for those who prefer traditional Election Day voting.

Compromise Reached on Huffman's Genetically Engineered Crops Bill

Assemblymember Huffman's AB 541 (Genetically Engineered Plants) passed the Assembly Agricultural Committee. At its first hearing in the committee last April, the sponsors, opponents, and members of this committee agreed to seek common ground on the issues involved with genetic engineering in California agriculture. Since then, both sides worked diligently to find a compromise and now the Farm Bureau and the Genetic Engineering Policy Project have collaborated to create this breakthrough legislation.

The bill would accomplish two goals:

• Protect farmers unknowingly contaminated by GE crops from patent infringement lawsuits.
  
  
• Create a process that manufacturers of a patented GE product must use in order to go on a farmer's land to test a crop for the presence of their patented product. The patent holder would have to notify a farmer of alleged patent infringement and obtain written permission from the farmer to enter their land to sample the crop.

Huffman Receives Legislative Honors

The League of California Cities recognized Assemblymember Huffman this month for his on-going commitment to city issues including fiscal stability, quality of life and the environment. He is one of just nine state legislators honored by the League for their support of local government, particularly during the 2007 legislative session.

League Executive Director Chris McKenzie remarked on the legacy of Assemblymember Huffman's local government roots. "Having served on his local water district board, Jared Huffman is familiar with the challenges facing local officials. We appreciate his work during his first term in the Legislature to provide cities with more fiscal stability and autonomy. The League anticipates a productive relationship with the Assemblymember for many years to come." ;

Huffman's Retrospective on "Freshman" Year in Assembly

(The following is a re-printed op-ed article by Assemblymember Huffman, which ran in the Marin Independent Journal on December 31, 2007)

My status as a "freshman" Assemblymember ended a few days ago with the final vote of 2007: the Assembly's passage of historic healthcare reform legislation. It came a little over a year after my swearing-in, which now seems like a lifetime ago. As the final days of 2007 slip away, it is a good time to reflect on my freshman journey - the highs, lows, and most importantly, the lessons to carry forward.

In terms of legislation, it was definitely a good year with the Governor signing several of my bills into law. This includes two of the year's most important environmental bills: AB 1470, creating the nation's largest incentive program for solar hot water heaters; and AB 1109, authorizing the nation's strongest efficiency and toxics reduction standards for lighting products (and helping shape the recently passed federal Energy Bill). The Governor also signed my bills extending breast cancer research funding (AB 28), promoting water recycling (AB 1406) and water efficiency in building standards (AB 1560), expanding disabled parking access (AB 463), and a bill I jointly authored with Assemblymembers Berg and Garcia promoting more routine HIV testing (AB 682).

As Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, I worked to advance several groundbreaking public health protections. Notable among them was a bill by Assemblymember Fiona Ma which I co-authored (AB 1108) banning reproductive toxins called phthalates from toys and other children’s products.

There were also disappointments. My bill to increase flexibility for high performing schools (AB 494), after passing both houses with bipartisan support, was vetoed by the Governor. The defeat of the "Clean Cars" bill (AB 493) was also disappointing. I was principal co-author with Assemblymember Ira Ruskin on this bill, which would have created a greenhouse gas reduction fee/rebate for new vehicles, adding a surcharge for higher emissions vehicles, while rewarding people with money back for low emissions vehicles. We fell three votes short in the Assembly, unable to overcome fierce opposition from the automobile industry. ;

I learned that a veto doesn't necessarily mean failure. Take AB 1743, a bill I wrote in collaboration with Senator Carole Migden and Supervisor Steve Kinsey to stop the proposed expansion of San Quentin's Death Row until completion of a study on alternative inmate housing strategies. Legislative support for this bill was enough to initiate the study by the State Auditor, and even though the Governor vetoed the bill, its passage in the legislature sent a clear message: funding for Death Row expansion won't be provided until the state reassesses this project in light of the study results. My goals were achieved, notwithstanding the veto.

In addition to San Quentin, high priority district issues included working with other elected officials to secure funding for HOV lanes through the Novato Narrows, leading the fight against a proposed mega-Casino in Rohnert Park, and most recently, dealing with the impacts of the Cosco Busan oil spill and identifying reforms that can prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

2007 concluded with two major developments that will shape the year to come. First, the Assembly's passage of what is arguably the most comprehensive health care reform bill in history. While not perfect, this compromise between the Governor and legislative Democrats would cover 70% of California's estimated 5.1 million uninsured, including 800,000 children. Second, the Governor declared a fiscal emergency this month to address a potential $14 billion budget deficit next year. Much of my work in 2008 will be about resolving this crisis and using it as an opportunity to implement fiscal reforms to end our chronic "boom-bust" budget cycles.

Looking back, I couldn't have asked for a better first year -- not just in terms of legislative results and lessons learned, but also the many working relationships forged with people throughout my district. From schools, farms and businesses, to senior communities and nonprofits serving the developmentally disabled - people opened their doors and hearts to deepen my understanding of the district's needs, and that has made me a better representative.

Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on 2007, and for the great honor of representing you in the Assembly."

California Coastal Commission Art and Poetry Contest

Entries are being accepted for the California Coastal Commission's annual art and poetry contest for K-12th grade students. Winners will be selected in four grade level categories, K-3rd, 4th-6th, 7-9th and 10th-12th, in both art and poetry to receive a $100 gift certificate to an art supply or book store. Sponsoring teachers will receive a $40 gift certificate for education materials. The students are being asked to reflect on the beauty and spirit of California's beaches and ocean and entries must have a coastal or marine theme to be eligible. Contest guidelines are at www.coastforyou.org. Deadline is January 31, 2008.

Get a new TV, computer, or cell phone recently? Want to recycle your old electronic waste but don't know where to go?

Go to the California Integrated Waste Management Board's website at www.erecycle.org, put in the name of your county and the site will provide a list of certified electronic recyclers in your area. For those who don't have access to the internet, the CIWMB has provided a toll-free number - (866) 218-6103 - where consumers can get e-recycling help in Spanish or English.

Capital Fellows Program (Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program; Executive Fellowship Program; Judicial Administration Fellowship Program; California Senate Fellows)

The Capital Fellows Programs are nationally recognized public policy fellowships offering college graduates unique experiences in policy-making and development with California state government. Fellows work as full-time, paid policy assistants to members of the California Assembly and Senate, legislative committees, senior executive branch staff, court officials, and other top ranking government officials. Fellows help draft and analyze legislation, answer constituent inquiries, write speeches, conduct policy briefings, and work with court project development and implementation. Thus Fellows gain first-hand experience in governing the most diverse state in the nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of California society.

The application process is quite simple. The only prerequisite is a four-year college degree by fall of the program year. Previous legislative, judicial or political experience is not required. Fellows come from across the state and the nation and range from recent college graduates to retirees. Each of the four programs requires a separate application. Individuals are invited to apply to one or more of the programs that meet their interests and qualifications. Applications for each program require personal and professional essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Prospective Capital Fellows must complete application forms and submit the required information by the postmark deadline of February 27, 2008.

Applications can be obtained online at http://www.csus.edu/calst/programs/. You can also obtain informational materials on all four programs in Assemblymember Huffman's district offices.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the national holiday in Dr. King's honor. Participation through community service has grown steadily since 1994 when then-President Clinton signed legislation encouraging America to celebrate the King holiday as a day of community service reflecting on Dr. King's life and teachings.

Dr. King was born on January 15th and we celebrate his birthday as a national holiday on the third Monday in January, which this year falls on January 21st.

There is little doubt that Dr. King did more to advance the cause of civil rights for all Americans than anyone else in our nation's history. It was his work and commitment that hastened the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King was a voice for all people who sought freedom...freedom for themselves and freedom for others.

Successful "There Oughta be a Law. or Not" Contest

Assemblymember Huffman wants to thank everyone who participated in his second annual "There Oughta Be A Law...Or Not" contest. The contest invited citizens of the 6th Assembly District to submit ideas for new state legislation or to repeal laws.

The office received over 100 ideas. The winner of the contest will be notified next month. If you have any legislative ideas throughout the year, please be sure to enter next years contest.

North Bay Leadership Council - Assemblymember Huffman attended the North Bay Leadership Council's Economic Insight Report: Economic Impacts of a Water Shortage. The event outlined the ways that the North Bay can be more effective in its water consumption.

Novato Businesses of the Year - Assemblymember Huffman attended the Novato Businesses of the Year Luncheon. Certificates of recognition were presented to the Large Business of the Year -Vintage Oaks at Novato, and Small Business of the Year- Redwood Credit Union for their exceptional community service, demonstrating economic vitality and modeling corporate citizenship.

Environment Education Council of Marin - Assemblymember Huffman attended the Environmental Education Council of Marin (EECOM) Environmental Leader Marin Award & Silent Auction gala. The event honored Dr. Martin Griffin for his work in preserving Marin's beauty, environmental diversity and natural habitats.

WillMar Center for Bereaved Children - Assemblymember Huffman toured the WillMar Center for Bereaved Children in Sonoma. Founded in July of 2000, WillMar Center for Bereaved Children is a non-profit organization designed to serve children and teenagers who have experienced the death of a loved one from illness, accident, suicide and homicide.

Lighted Boat Parade - Assemblymember Huffman was an honorary judge for the 2007 Community Action Marin's Lighted Boat Parade in San Rafael. Huffman was joined by local celebrities in judging one of the biggest boat parades in the Bay Area.

Sonoma Valley Unified School District - Assemblymember Huffman toured two schools in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District with Superintendent Barbara Young. Huffman toured both El Verano School and Sonoma Valley High School where he met with school employees, administrators and students.

Petaluma Boys and Girls Club "Youth of the Year Celebration" - Assemblymember Huffman joined the Petaluma Boys and Girls club in honoring "Tomorrow's Leaders". The Boys & Girls Clubs of Petaluma serves more than 3,000 youth ages 6 through 18. They provide a safe place where Petaluma's youth can interact with caring adults who help them to develop a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence.

Hearts of Marin - Assemblymember Huffman attended the Hearts of Marin awards ceremony at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall. The Heart of Marin Awards recognizes outstanding Marin nonprofits and the committed individuals who serve them.

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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