Lieu Responds To The Governor’s State Of The State Address

The following statement was released by Assemblyman Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance) tonight following Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s State of the State Address.

“It’s great to hear the Governor say that he will begin working with the Legislature in a bipartisan manner. When I was elected last fall, the voters in the 53rd Assembly District sent me here to get things done, not to play partisan politics.

“I am also pleased to hear the Governor coming around on many issues that Democrats have been talking about for years, including fixing our state’s crumbling infrastructure. Not just tonight, but over the past few weeks, we’ve learned about the Governor’s bond proposal that will seek to finance infrastructure projects such as re-building schools, roads, and levees.

“It is crucial that we work to ensure that Southern California’s specific transportation needs are met in the bond proposal and that schools are provided the funding they need and deserve to fix outdated and often unsafe school buildings.

“As the process continues, we need to make certain that our first responders are able to communicate with each other when disaster strikes. It is imperative that funding be included in the bond to support public safety radio interoperability, which will ensure this vital communication is possible in the event of an emergency. Additionally, if the Governor wants to pass a bond this big, he should identify a revenue stream to pay for it.

“Finally, It was encouraging to hear the Governor promise to increase school funding. However we must not forget that this is still less than what was constitutionally guaranteed by Proposition 98.

“I look forward to working with the Governor to ensure that the needs of those of the state and especially those living in the 53rd Assembly District are met.”