Assembly Speaker Fabian Nu
ñez has tapped Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, to be
chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee.
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez has tapped Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, to be chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee.
The Assembly Budget Committee is responsible for formulating the state’s $105 billion annual budget. As chairman, Laird also will serve on the Speaker’s leadership team and will play a critical role in shaping the state budget.
“This year, we face difficult policy decisions and ever growing demands for a better California,” Speaker Núñez said. “I am confident John Laird will meet those demands by doing what is right and good for our fellow Californians.”
“As the Monterey Bay Area’s representative in the Assembly, I’m honored the Speaker has chosen me for this leadership position,” said Laird, whose district includes Morgan Hill. “The state budget not only greatly influences the state’s economic engine, it also says a lot about our priorities as Californians.
“Facing the challenging fiscal picture before us, I’ll be focused on pay-as-you-go budgeting and protection of education, the environment, affordable housing, civil rights and healthcare for those most in need.”
In the state Senate Monday, Abel Maldonado, a Republican, took the oath of office and became the new senator for the 15th district, which stretches for over 200 miles of the California coastline from Santa Maria to San Jose. The district includes Morgan Hill.
Maldonado’s father and mother were in the Capitol to see their son sworn in. In addition, his wife and four children were on hand.
“I am truly honored to be the senator for the 15th district. I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that will make our state a better place.” Maldonado said.
