“I am honored to name Assemblymember Karen Bass as the first female, African-American Majority Floor Leader in the history of the California State Assembly. Assemblymember Bass brings smarts, strength and tenacity to the job – I am proud to make this appointment,” said Assembly Speaker Núñez.

Effective immediately, Bass will assume her new leadership role, which makes her one of the highest-ranking officers in the State Assembly. During the 2007-2008 legislative session, Majority Floor Leader Bass will be responsible for managing the Assembly Floor on behalf of the Speaker.

“It is a privilege to serve in this leadership role,” states Bass. “As Majority Floor Leader, I will have the opportunity to help advance our agenda to ensure that every Californian can enjoy their quality of life. There is a lot of work to be done and I look forward to being a major part of the process.”

Karen Bass has been a State Assembly Member representing Los Angeles’ 47th District since 2005. During the 2005-2006 legislative session, Bass served as the Majority Whip. She also was appointed as the chair of the Select Committee on Foster Care, which she will continue to serve as during the next session. In addition, Bass is the vice chair of the Legislative Caucus.

Since taking office, Bass’ accomplishments include introducing a legislative package of 25 bills focusing on improving the state’s Foster Care System with bipartisan participation; helping secure $85 million in the 2006/2007 state budget for Foster Care Reform, which is the largest increased allocation in more than a decade; launching the State of Black California, and a statewide organizing effort to involve Black Californians in identifying their concerns and making legislative recommendations.

Governor Schwarzenegger has signed six of Assemblymember Bass’ bills into law including Healthy Families Insurance Coverage to help prevent children from going without health insurance; a small business policy that removes red tape by preventing businesses from filling out duplicate certification forms for the city and state; and a measure that expands the Baldwin Hills Conservancy.

As the Assemblymember for the 47th District, Karen Bass serves the cities and communities of Culver City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, Ladera Heights, the Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia and portions of Korea Town and South Los Angeles.