Around the Capitol
The Legislature has now reconvened for the 2009-2010 Legislative Session. Usually this is the time of year when Assembly members and Senators are busy deciding what legislation they want to introduce. This year, with the state’s tax revenues still sliding, we face an ongoing budget crisis that must be resolved.
I expect the state's financial situation to be the most significant issue state legislators tackle this year. Much debate and discussion lie ahead as we start this New Year. My Republican colleagues and I will continue to advocate for a cap in state spending, and incentives to create private sector jobs as part of any budget fixes, since growing our economy is vital to California's long term fiscal health.
I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity to serve as your Senator in Sacramento. Remember, if you're ever in Sacramento please feel free to stop by my office and say hello.
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Senate Committee Assignments
I was recently named Vice Chair of two committees: the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee and the Education Committee. I was also appointed to the committees on Public Safety, Natural Resources and Water, and Budget.
It is a privilege to serve on the Transportation and Housing Committee working to shape transportation policy and improve infrastructure. While the lack of reliable funding makes this a difficult public policy topic, this is one of the major issues throughout my district, and I look forward to addressing this challenge.
Since I spent four years on the Assembly Education Committee, I disagree with those who say the only way to reform our schools is to spend more money, especially in light of the dire fiscal make up of the current economy. While more money would be nice, it’s more about how and where we spend the crucial funds, and I am eager to take steps necessary to give our kids the tools they need to enter and compete in the 21st century workforce.
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Cal Grant Application Period
I want to remind parents and college-bound students that the deadline to submit an application for a Cal Grant award is March 2.
I encourage California students to apply for these grants. Cal Grants can provide significant assistance to those who want to pursue higher education in this state.
Under the Cal Grant program, every college-bound student who qualifies and meets the application deadline will receive a Cal Grant award for tuition and fees. The award amount could be as much as $9,700 for a private university, $7,126 at UC campuses, and $3,048 at CSU campuses.
The value of higher education cannot be overstated. An educated populace brings new and inventive ideas to the workforce. These ideas ultimately help the state’s economy. Cal Grants help many students on their educational journey.
There are several types of Cal Grants available including awards based solely on financial need, a combination of need and academic achievement, or for students in occupational or career training programs.
To qualify for a Cal Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Cal Grant Grade Point Average Verification Form. The forms are available in high school counseling offices, from college financial aid advisors, or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
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Senate Fellowship Applications Available
Applications for the 2009-2010 California Senate Fellows program are now available for interested college graduates. The program provides college graduates an opportunity to become full-time Senate staff members at the State Capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2009. Fellows are assigned to the personal or committee staff of a Senator and also participate in academic seminars with Senators, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists, and state government officials. The fellowship program is operated jointly by the California State Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
Being a Fellow provides an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the legislative process. Whether your career goals are in the public or private sector, the Senate Fellows program provides valuable training that can be applied to all walks of life. Former Senate Fellows include current members of Congress and the California Legislature, judges, and numerous other elected officials and community leaders.
Fellows will experience the broad range of activities conducted in busy Senate offices. Responsibilities include researching public policy issues, helping develop legislative proposals, analyzing and staffing legislation, assisting with constituent inquiries and casework, participating in meetings as the Senator’s representative, writing press releases and speeches, and performing other delegated tasks. A five week orientation at the beginning of the program provides background on state government, the legislative process, and major policy issues.
Fellows are paid a stipend of $1,972 per month plus health, vision, and dental benefits. They earn 12 units of graduate credit from CSUS for the academic portion of the program. Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2009 is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply.
Applications may be requested from Senator Huff’s district office in Glendora by calling (626) 914-5046, or by calling the program office at (916) 278-7693. The deadline for submitting applications is February 25, 2009. Eighteen Fellows will be selected in May after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of finalists.
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Around the District
Things have been busy as I have been getting settled into the Senate. I met with OCTA CEO Art Leahy and Director Carolyn Cavecche and learned of their plans to access federal funds in the next economic stimulus package. In that same vein, I spoke at an OCTA press conference overlooking the 57 freeway. The 57 freeway is a “shovel-ready” project ready to be improved if the funding comes in from Washington. I attended an OCTA board meeting in early December, where the board presented me with a resolution thanking me for supporting their legislative priorities.
I had the honor of administering the oath of office to my District Director, newly elected La Habra City Councilman Tim Shaw, and swore in the new board of directors for the Puente Hills Republican Women Federated and the Diamond Bar Republican Women Federated.
Since education is so critical, I have been meeting with representatives from school districts in the 29th Senate District to discuss the budget crises. I met with Glendora Superintendent, Dr. Catherine Nichols, and School Board Member Doris Blum in December. In January, I met with La Habra City School District Superintendent, Susan Belanardo, and School Board Member Sharon Brown along with Lowell Joint School District Superintendent Patricia Howell. I appreciate members of the education community advising me on how we can get through this tough budget time while maintaining a quality education system.
I was able to tour areas that are new to me in the Senate, including the Santa Anita Racetrack and the city of Claremont, where I was hosted by Mayor Ellen Taylor. I also had the chance to meet with Monrovia Mayor Pro Tem Mary Ann Lutz to discuss Monrovia’s issues.
The city of Walnut turned 50 years old, and I attended a wonderful celebration for the city. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) graciously provided a helicopter tour of the fire damaged areas of Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, and Chino Hills. It is breathtaking to see the amount of devastation from the air, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims who lost their homes.
The State Department of Toxic Substances Control briefed me on the progress being made to clear the ordinance from the Aerojet property in Chino Hills. Aerojet has tested ordinance there for many years, and they are cleaning out the fragments of exploded ordinance to return the soil to a clean and safe condition. They are almost finished with this very large undertaking.
I had the privilege of speaking to students at the Associated Builders/Contractors Southern California Chapter (ABC) at one of their proficiency competitions about the construction needs we have for the future, and congratulated them on their acquired skills. ABC has five chapters around the state, with apprenticeship programs training students in plumbing, electrical, sheet-metal, and HVAC, to name a few. ABC is the only construction organization in the country devoted exclusively to the merit shop philosophy rooted in the belief of improving the individual, the construction industry, and the nation. Those accepted into the programs get paid while they learn a trade. The programs take four years to master. For more information call (714) 779-3199. http://www.abcsocal.org/
With me in the photo are the Associated Builders and Contractors So. Cal Chapter President/CEO, Susan C. McNeil and their State Chair, John Hamo.
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Tour of the 29th Senate District - Santa Anita Racetrack
One of the most important parts of my job as a Senator is to represent the needs of the local business community. Economic development and small business growth in particular, is an invaluable part of our livelihood and quality of life. This month, I would like to highlight the Santa Anita Racetrack.
Having originally opened on December 25, 1930, Santa Anita Park became known as “The Great Race Place” and was home to the famous racehorse Seabiscuit. The park encompasses 320 acres, is capable of hosting 26,000 patrons in the Grandstand alone, and employs more than 1,600 people during racing season. The Racetrack is open daily from Wednesday to Saturday for live racing and is available for private rental year round for functions that are held after races or during the off-season
I have seen first hand, the quality of care that the park provides to its employees, racehorses and their jockeys with its 61 barns, capable of housing more then 2,000 horses and a complete, on-site equine hospital. The Santa Anita Park and Racetrack is a gem in the horseracing industry and it is an honor to represent the park in the California State Senate .
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Marilyn Grinsdale Receives Top Honors From Education Association
Marilyn Grinsdale from Citrus College has earned the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) Rising Star Award.
As protocol and government relations officer of Citrus College, Marilyn Grinsdale has been instrumental in advancing higher education locally, regionally and nationally.
In her position at Citrus College, Mrs. Grinsdale is responsible for planning, developing, directing, and implementing all aspects of the Citrus Community College District’s government relations. She also serves as the district’s contact and liaison to elected officials, community agencies, business and community leaders, community college organizations, and other community college districts.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is interacting with student leaders on legislation and advocacy that impacts education,” she said. “Many of these talented students will become the nation’s future leaders in politics and business. I am also inspired by the way in which committed individuals can make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people through their involvement in the legislative process.”
Grinsdale has also received recognition for work she has done at the local level, including successful efforts, along with those of other college representatives, to move the terminus of a light rail line to a location adjacent to the entrance of Citrus College. In addition, she has been an active participant in several national initiatives, such as the removal of “tuition sensitivity” from the Pell Grant, which will benefit thousands of California’s community college students. Congratulations Marilyn!
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2009 is the Year of the Rose in the 29th Senate District
Excerpt of column written by Lydia Plunk of Diamond Bar
From entrants worldwide, two roses with ties to California’s 29th Senate District are recognized by All-America Rose Selections (AARS) as among the most beautiful released for 2009.
Since 1938, the not-for-profit AARS has dedicated itself to recognizing and promoting the introduction of exceptional roses. The organization sponsors a two year juried trial, with test gardens across the nation. At each location, specimens of each entrant rose are evaluated twice a year. Only those with consistent, superior qualities get the votes needed to win the coveted AARS winner designation.
Pink Promise is the first “cause” rose recognized by the AARS, and hails from Coiner Nursery in La Verne. When Jim (the father) returned from AARS field trials, James (the son), suggested that with the rose’s color so reminiscent of the pink ribbon associated with the fight against breast cancer, that it was appropriate to dedicate a portion of sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Their right hand woman, Kathy Pruitt, coordinated with Janelle Hail, President/CEO of the foundation. Pink Promise is now the official rose in the effort to fight breast cancer.
The other local rose recognized as a 2009 AARS winner is the floribunda Cinco de Mayo by Weeks Roses. With hybridizing operations now conducted on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona, this rose is a remarkable fourteenth winner in thirteen years for Weeks Roses. Ten of these champions were bred by their Director of Hybridization, the prolific horticulturalist, Tom Carruth. This latest creation is an example of Tom’s unique talent blending his artistic vision, scientific discipline and patience for the decade-long process required to create and take a rose public. It may be his best.
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