CALL ME A POLLYANNA this month as I will focus only on good news. It’s a challenge, I admit; there’s enough negativity around to impel us to
the analysts’ couches. But here are some positives:
DEADLINE FOR PASSING BILLS FROM ASSEMBLY AND SENATE WAS JUNE 4. Results will be reported later; but at present, the good news
is that no new bills will be forthcoming.
THE INITIATIVE TO SUSPEND AB 32 (the “green” global-warming bill) has qualified for the November ballot with more than 800,000 signatures,
almost double the 435,000 needed!
If passed, this initiative would delay implementation of AB 32 until the unemployment rate, currently at 12.4 percent, drops to 5.5 percent for four
consecutive quarters. We can expect tens of millions of dollars spent on both sides. Proponents claim AB 32 is a job killer and will prevent businesses’
recovery. The president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association claims that it will cost California families billions of dollars in higher utility rates
and fuel prices. Opponents, including the governor, claim it will roll back the state’s environmental policies, curb the growth of green jobs and increase
dependence on foreign oil.
RONALD REAGAN DAY LEGISLATION NEARS FINAL VOTE. Senator Runner (R –17), author of this bill, has successfully ushered it through the
Senate with a 34-0 vote. It passed Assembly committee on June 22 and now awaits a 3rd reading. This legislation designates February 6 of each year as
Ronald Reagan Day, a day of special significance, beginning on his 100th birthday, February 6, 2011. Details:
(1) Makes legislative findings and declarations regarding the life, career, contributions and death of Ronald Reagan, including accomplishments as
Governor of California and United States President.
(2) Adds February 6 of each year as Ronald Reagan Day to the list of days having special significance.
(3) Encourages ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS and educational institutions to observe this day and conduct exercises remembering the life
of Ronald Reagan, recognizing his accomplishments, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to this state.
(4) Requires the Governor to annually proclaim February 6 as Ronald Reagan Day.
JUNE PRIMARY RESULTS MAINLY POSITIVE. Prop 13’s passage was great news for property owners who decide to retrofit their homes
or businesses and pay no new taxes on such projects. Prop 15
failed, thanks to the good sense of the voters who refuse to pay for public financing of campaigns. Both Prop 16 and 17 failed as voters seem
content with electricity and auto insurance status quo. The failure of Prop 16 (electricity) was surprising considering the amount of money
spent by the “Yes” campaign. The major exception to the June Primary positives was passage of Prop 14 for the so-called “Open Primaries.”
Time will tell what the consequences will be for the parties as we look for some silver lining.
ARIZONA BOYCOTT OPPOSED BY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER and the governor. Though they both oppose the new law, they agree that a
boycott (proposed by Democratic Senator Cedillo) is not the answer. Senator Cedillo’s resolution was unveiled the same day that the Los Angeles
City Council voted to make an exemption in their boycott to allow the city to continue doing business with a Scottsdale company that provides red-light
cameras at city intersections.
BLAKESLEE CAN WIN THE RUNOFF IN AUGUST with just another l ˝ percent. It’s crucial that we get out the vote. Encourage everyone you
know to vote in order to prevent a Democratic 2/3 majority. A Laird win would put Democrats only one seat short of the 2/3 majority they desperately
desire. Republican turnout, especially in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, can make the difference.
