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SACRAMENTO – As part of a broad strategy organized by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) to turn California's economy around, Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy (JEDE), released today an initial draft of a 24-month economic and workforce development blueprint to guide the state's action in these difficult economic times.

"The Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy is turning California's economic challenges into policy opportunities for recovery," Bass said. "This blueprint will help the Assembly identify critical fiscal levers we can push to help create jobs and turn California's economy around."

"California workers and businesses are currently facing some of the harshest economic conditions since the 1930s," Pérez said. "Unemployment in California has reached 10.1% and is projected to rise to at least 11% before the current recession is over. Some areas of the state, like those that I represent, are already experiencing Great Depression unemployment rates of over 26%."

Under the direction of Pérez, JEDE began work on the California Economic Development Recovery Strategy in January in anticipation of the enactment of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Strategy includes both key information on available state and federal programs, as well as specific legislative and administrative actions the state should take to address the immediate economic crisis and provide for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

"Californians deserve a renewed economy that is not burdened by the historic fights between labor and business, and between business and the environment. An economy that, for the first time, recognizes the interconnections between workers, businesses, and resources. And, from this recognition, an economy that seizes the opportunity to again lead the world in innovation, technology, and quality of life," Pérez said.

JEDE will hold its first legislative hearing on the California Economic Development Recovery Strategy on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9 a.m. at the State Capitol.

Following the initial publication of this Strategy and the upcoming legislative hearing, the Strategy will be available for further review and development by local governments, business leaders, workers, and community groups over the next six weeks. A final strategy that reflects this extended outreach is expected in mid-May.

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California Economic Development Recovery Strategy: Public Draft (1 MB PDF)

March 12, 2009 Press Release (28k PDF)

March 12, 2009 Press Release - Espanol (28k PDF)

California Economic Development Recovery Strategy: Fact Sheet (60k PDF)

Audio Files (MP3)

Assemblyman Pérez says creating a strategy to re-energize the state’s economy is not a partisan issue.

Assemblyman Pérez says the California Economic Development Recovery Strategy is needed to coordinate all levels of government and industry.

Assemblyman Pérez says reinvigorating the state’s economy is a multi-faceted effort.

Assemblyman Pérez says there’s no time to lose, the state needs to have an economic strategy in place as soon as possible.