Randy's blog

Assemblymember Alyson Huber (D-El Dorado Hills) today delivered 2000 postcards to the Governor's office. The postcards are from Delta residents who are opposed to Governor Schwarzenegger’s plan to build a peripheral canal.

The California Majority Report has an article about Democrats being "upbeat about their chances" come next November. AD-10, where Alyson Huber will be going up against either Jack Sieglock again, or Paul Hegyi if he can defeat Sieglock in a primary is mentioned.

"I opposed the water package because it creates a new layer of bureaucrats who will make decisions on water that will impact the communities I represent, without allowing us to have a voice.

“"I opposed the bond, especially because of the billions in pork for LA. This dead of night pork giveaway is exactly why voters give us low marks.

“"I offered up a simple bill – one to require a full analysis of the peripheral canal and require legislative approval – a common sense approach. Unfortunately, my bill was killed without a hearing. I’ll be resubmitting this bill so it will have a full debate.”"

For more information on AB 13 7x by Huber visit www.asm.ca.gov/huber

A bill which would prohibit the construction of a peripheral canal around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta without a full fiscal analysis and a vote of the state legislature won't even get a chance. Considered a long shot to begin with, the bill, AB13x7, by Assemblywoman Alyson Huber and co-authored by Senator Lois Wolk was "held hostage" says Huber, and not allowed to be part of the final package of water proposals.

"My bill, AB 13 7x, offers what the people of the state want, but is lacking in the current water package – clear guidelines and requirements for building a canal. There is no reasonable argument against the prohibition of a peripheral canal without a full fiscal analysis and a vote of the state legislature. As the Assembly moves forward with considering the water package today as drafted by legislative leadership behind closed doors, I will be fighting for my bill to be heard on the floor and its substance debated out in the open."

Right now a package of water proposals is being crafted in the Capitol and decisions are being made that will dramatically impact the Delta region. Assemblymember Alyson Huber authored an op-ed in the Lodi News Sentinel over the weekend to express the concerns of Delta residents about current water proposals, and also about the process through which the proposals are being determined.

In a email sent to supporters, Assemblymember Alyson Huber is asking constituents to help her get three bill she authored signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Schwarzengger has threatened to veto all pending legislation unless he can force his water deal through the legislature. This is no less than extortion and is illegal. Not that the governor cares.

"Water is an extremely critical issue and we must take the appropriate time necessary to craft a workable, reasonable solution to the water crisis, not rush something through under threat" says Alyson. "Right now, the Governor’s water proposals include measures that would be detrimental to the Delta and surrounding counties, including a peripheral canal. Negotiations need to continue.

"However, there are many important bills sitting on the Governor’s desk that are the result of months of hard work and if he vetoes the bills we would have to start again from scratch – a complete waste."

Alyson is asking constituents to urge the Governor to continue water negotiations and sign three bills she has authored, which are summarized on her Website.

Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico is also urging action from the Governor.

"Governor, another ill-conceived, and indiscriminately issued ransom note will not solve California’s problems. I challenge you to start doing the hard work of actually governing: thoughtful analysis, constructive ideas, negotiation and compromise." said Torrico. "Until then, your threats and proclamations will do little to move California forward. You are not an emperor and you are not a king. We are dealing with very important issues and your threats do nothing to enhance the process."

Last night, the State Assembly was not able to reach agreement on a package of bills on water. Assemblymember Alyson Huber released this statement.

"Not bringing the water proposals up for a vote tonight was the right thing to do. There is no question we must get something done, but more time is needed to get this right. Throughout the day I have talked to my colleagues about the concerns of the Delta residents and with time I believe we can find a workable compromise. I will continue to pay close attention to the progress of the package and will fight to ensure future proposals addresses the concerns of Delta residents."

Before a workable solution can be found the joint committee appointed by Senate President Pro-tem Darrel Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass needs members from the Delta districts on it. Other parts of the state that want to take our water are represented. Shouldn't those who are giving up this critical and limited resource also be represented?