Assembly Democrats Introduce Legislation in Special Session on Water

SACRAMENTO--Assembly Democrats are introducing the first pieces of the legislation they will be advancing during the special legislative session to address California’s looming water crisis.  The initial Assembly bills establish principles for what a final proposal should reflect and address issues including: the immediate crisis in the Delta; a comprehensive strategy that speaks to the state’s water challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner; a safe, clean and reliable water supply for all Californians, particularly disadvantaged communities; and ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.

“These principles will be the lens that any water policy will be filtered through in the Assembly,” said Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), leader of the Assembly working group on water. “In articulating these principles, the Assembly is seeking to ensure that anyone who shares in a solution also shares in the sacrifices necessary to bring that solution about.  In technical terms, everyone has to give something to get something.”

The initial Assembly bills are:

• AB 2X 1 Assembly Democratic Bond Intent
• AB 2X 2 Assembly Democratic Water Supply Reliability
• AB 2X 3 Assembly Democratic Delta Sustainability

The Assembly action complements proposals pending in the State Senate.  The Assembly Republican caucus is also expected to be introducing bills.

“We’re pulling together many various pieces of a difficult puzzle to develop a responsible and achievable plan that will provide a safe, sufficient and sustainable water supply for every Californian,” Laird said. “Senate President pro Tem Don Perata and his team have been moving quickly to get water legislation into shape.  We will work closely with them and I am confident the same cooperative spirit that brought us last year’s historic infrastructure bonds will flourish again this year.”

While the Secretary of State has announced an extended date for placing a bond on the February ballot, Laird cautioned that the complexity of the issue and the potential size of a bond to go before voters will require a significant amount of time for review.

“From improving drinking water quality, to improving regional water supply reliability, to protecting the state’s vital Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta, there are a lot of complex issues on the table – but as the Assembly works out the puzzle, all the pieces will be examined carefully to make sure there’s clean, reliable water at the tap.” 

The bills will be in print and text available Thursday September 27 through the legislative portal:  (www.asm.ca.gov)

Assemblyman John Laird, Chair of the Assembly Working Group on Water, delivers this week’s radio address. In this clip from the radio address Assembly Laird says Assembly Democrats believe everyone must do their fair share to find a solution to the state’s water crisis.

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/Newsline/Audio/20070927WaterSessionLaird1.mp3

Assemblyman John Laird, Chair of the Assembly Working Group on Water, delivers this week’s radio address. In this clip from the radio address Assembly Laird says the Assembly is working closely with the Senate on water legislation.

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/Newsline/Audio/20070927WaterSessionLaird2.mp3