SACRAMENTO— Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) was on hand to see the State of the State address delivered in the Assembly Chambers. He was joined by his Assembly colleagues, members of the State Senate, the state’s constitutional officers and members of the California Supreme Court. Responding to the address, he said the potential for cooperation outlined in the Governor’s remarks could signal a year of unprecedented success in Sacramento – if both parties rise to the occasion.

“In his State of the State address, the Governor recognized that Californians agree with many Democratic positions on health care, education and the environment and that Californians liked the bipartisan approach and real accomplishment of the last legislative session,” Huffman said. “The Governor understands that by making reasonable compromises and working with legislative Democrats, he can give the public what it wants and needs. My hope is that legislative Republicans will likewise embrace that vision.”

The Assemblymember went on to say that he hopes that both parties won’t pursue issues that may cost California billions with little, to no gain for Californians.

“At a time when legislative Democrats and the Governor agree we must work together to achieve major healthcare reform, educational improvement, and to fight global warming, it makes no sense to propose billions of dollars for divisive and hugely expensive new dams that would benefit very few Californians.”

Assemblymember Huffman said his legislative priorities will include the environment, health care reform, and education when the legislature begins its work in earnest during the next several weeks.