Sacramento - After listening to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 3rd State of the State address to the California State Legislature - - Assemblyman Dr. Ed Hernandez realized the potential for a successful year - - if both Democrats and Republicans agree to work together.

“The Governor’s remarks tonight have signaled that we are finally ready to enact major reforms involving healthcare coverage, education finance and the environment.  Now that the Governor and Democratic caucus realize that working together can produce results - - it is important that the Republican Caucus set aside their own political agendas and work with all of us for the good of the state.”

As expected, the Governor offered his own ideas on how best to overhaul the healthcare system in California.  Joining Senate Pro Tem Don Perata and Speaker Fabian Nunez, who earlier introduced their own healthcare proposals, it appears that the legislature has the willingness to enact meaningful reform.

“I think that I have a unique voice within my caucus as the only healthcare provider who has met with and serviced patients on a regular basis (Dr. Ed Hernandez is a licensed optometrist and currently operates two practices with his wife Diane).  I will be using my background and experience to help organize all of the competing interests – labor, employers, insurers and hospitals.”

With the Governor’s state of the state address concluding tonight, the 2007-2008 budget will be released Wednesday. 

Assemblyman Hernandez has said that besides healthcare reform he will focus on transportation funding and economic development.