My first year in the State Assembly has been quite a year. Many
of my colleagues have described the past twelve months as
”
trial by fire.
”
I was sworn into office at a time of hope. Unfortunately, hope
rapidly gave way to the dire reality that California was suffering
record high unemployment rates and a budget deficit of more than
$60 billion. I voted on three budgets this year, all of which
required drastic cuts to education, health care, transportation,
social services and public safety.
By Bill Monning
ed****@mo*************.com
My first year in the State Assembly has been quite a year. Many of my colleagues have described the past twelve months as “trial by fire.”
I was sworn into office at a time of hope. Unfortunately, hope rapidly gave way to the dire reality that California was suffering record high unemployment rates and a budget deficit of more than $60 billion. I voted on three budgets this year, all of which required drastic cuts to education, health care, transportation, social services and public safety.
While no elected official seeks public office with the goal of cutting vital programs or raising revenues through fees or taxation, public opinion polls documented that a majority of Californians favor protecting public education and public safety. And, they are willing to support appropriate and equitable revenue generating solutions. Yet, we could not achieve the 2/3 vote necessary to increase tobacco taxes, implement an oil extraction fee, or increase the vehicle license fee to protect our state park system.
As we embark on the New Year, the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a $21 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months and bases this prediction on the massive drop in California’s primary revenue sources: sales tax, personal income tax, capital gains tax and corporate taxes.
There are those who argue that California “needs to live within its means,” but the harsh reality is that Californians will not restore basic services without everyone sharing in the cost. Clearly, all Californians have had to make personal financial sacrifices. In the assembly, we imposed mandatory office budget reductions of 20 percent and I voluntarily accepted a pay reduction before the Citizens Compensation Commission mandated that all statewide elected officials accept pay cuts.
To restore California’s position of pre-eminence, reform is essential. Multiple reform measures will appear on 2010 ballots. One of the most prominent will be the initiative sponsored by California Forward which would amend the state’s constitution to allow a majority of the state Legislature to pass a state budget. I believe this single reform would allow the delivery of a timely budget and restore the confidence of the state’s creditors and the public.
Despite the challenges faced this year, I did experience some successes. I had eight bills signed into law including the enactment of a Sustainable Seafood Label law that will benefit the local fishing community and our environment, legislation transferring state land to the city of Santa Cruz expanding public park space, and legislation assisting the city of Morgan Hill in the calculation of its Redevelopment Agency funds. I continue to work with local partners on an environmentally sound solution to the San Clemente Dam bypass, a regional water solution, the development of a Big Sur Coastal Trail, and establishment of a regional veterans cemetery.
As we take stock of 2009, I am reminded during this holiday season of the endurance and integrity of the human spirit and of our good fortune to live free in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. My thoughts and thanks go out to our men and women in uniform and their families. May we find renewal in the season’s rituals and festivities as we work together to face the challenges and opportunities of the New Year.
Happy New Year!
Assemblymember Monning was first elected to represent the 27th Assembly District in 2008. The 27th Assembly District includes the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County; as well as the cities of Carmel, Marina, Monterey, and Seaside in Monterey County; and the city of Morgan Hill in Santa Clara County. Prior to his election, Assemblymember Monning served as a professor at the Monterey College of Law and a Professor of International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
