California State Assembly Democratic Caucus

QUOTABLE DEMS

"To those people... to the people of the great state of California... I want to close by saying this: We know the struggles you are having. And we will step up and do the right thing to help ease those burdens. We also know your sense of hope and optimism– displayed most prominently in this historic election. And we will build on that optimism and make sure your hope has a solid foundation in reality."

- Speaker Karen Bass, from her remarks to the Newly Sworn-in Assemblymembers on December 1, 2008.

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

Assemblymember Hector De La Torre to Chair Accountability and Administrative Review Committee
“This committee is going to look at how the people’s government is managed day to day and hopefully find some savings for taxpayers,” De La Torre said. “We’re also going to be looking at effectiveness and making sure state operations are performing at 21st century levels."

Speaker Karen Bass: The clock is ticking---We need to use our time to solve problems
As the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst notes, while anything we do regarding the deficit has economic consequences, the consequences of doing nothing --or not doing enough-- are even worse. And remember the Analyst has made it very clear-- the sooner we act the smaller the problem.

Speaker Bass on Budget, Special Session
Speaker Karen Bass today responded to the governor’s special session proclamation by saying the newly sworn-in legislature is up to the task of finding timely budget solutions, noting she hopes the governor would be helpful by getting to know new members of his party and convincing them to vote for a budget.

Assembly Democrats Support Budget Solutions, Republicans Block Needed Spending Cuts and New Revenues
Speaker Bass: Today, Assembly Republicans made it clear they do not take the state's fiscal crisis seriously. They continue to deny there is a revenue problem. They continue to deny that difficult cuts have once again been put forward by Democrats. They continue to deny Californians the responsible leadership they were sent to Sacramento to provide.

Lieu Introduces California Foreclosure Prevention Act
AB 4xxxx, the California Foreclosure Prevention Act, imposes a 120 day foreclosure moratorium unless a lender offers a comprehensive loan modification program designed to keep people in their homes.

Speaker Karen Bass on Special Session
Speaker Bass pointed out that deep and numerous spending cuts have been made over the past three years and its time for serious consideration of revenue options. She said additional cuts to the state’s safety net would be devastating.

Commission to Modernize California Revenue System Key to Economic Stability
“The commission we are enacting today will help provide options to get vital programs like education, firefighting and children’s health care off the year-to-year budget roller coaster they’ve been stuck on,” Bass said. "We’re not looking to punt the problem. We’re looking for a playbook filled with potential solutions.”