fresno elections 2008

Since we now have Republican caucus leaders from the central valley it is a bright day for the San Joaquin Valley. Being in such leadership roles certainly provides a platform and the ability to influence policy and funding issues. I will be a strong supporter of these leaders as we mutually work to resolve these needs.

As Assembly Republican Leader, I serve as the lead budget negotiator with Governor Schwarzenegger and the other legislative leaders. I regularly advocate for funding fairness when it comes to state funding of things like education and transportation projects. There’s no reason urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles should get the majority of state funds over the Central Valley.

When the infrastructure bonds were being negotiated at the State Capitol, I insisted projects be funded on a competitive basis, so urbanized areas wouldn’t get more funding than the Central Valley. I have also fought for equalization when it comes to education funding so that schools in our area are given just as much as schools in larger cities.

I also work closely with the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley to improve our regions economic vitality. We can get the most for the Central Valley when we work together to advance issues important to our region.

I will continue to work hard for the Central Valley’s priorities such as transportation, agriculture, education, water supply and air quality.

It is important that the highways in the San Joaquin Valley are maintained in order to efficiently move the produce which is imperative for the economy of the San Joaquin Valley. California produces approximately 7 million acres of agriculture which accounts for producing 45% of the fruits and vegetables grown in the United States. The California agriculture industry accounts for 1.1 million jobs and 60 billion in personal income. It is clearly a vibrant portion of our economy.

It is my belief that such an important part of our economy should receive top priority for roads and economy based programs.

It is also my belief that we need to work as a team to accomplish the necessary goals towards receiving the state monies that are due our Valley. A team approach must include federal, state and local officials in order for our voice to be heard loud and clear in Sacramento.

It is important to work with Legislators from other parts of the state and educate them on our needs, form alliances and ensure that our own valley delegation stays united throughout the funding discussions.

The eight valley councils of governments formed the Regional Policy Council to address the needs of the region and adopted a legislative platform for the San Joaquin Valley. The council’s goal is to represent a unified voice when communicating legislative issues of regional importance to our state and federal legislative members as well as to relevant state and federal agencies. I have served on this policy council since its formation and am confident that united in the battle to secure state money for roads and projects for our region is well served by the formation of this regional policy council.