Legislative Director Predicts Successful Year For 2008
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, January 2, 2008 --- Riding the success of last year’s efforts that saw two California Grange sponsored bills land on the desk of Governor Schwarzenegger, Legislative Director Michael Greene summoned Committee Chairs from around the state to the new Grange headquarters December 8, to set the stage for 2008.
“It was a day of spirited discussion,” concluded Director Greene. “We came up with some exciting strategies and we’re looking forward to another successful year advocating the policies set by the Grange delegates.”
Director Greene convened the meeting by stating that 2008 could be a challenging year at the California legislature due to projections of a state budget deficit currently estimated to amount to $10 billion.
Assembled for the day-long deliberations were Committee Chairs: Dick Dhames (Taxation), Liz Reynolds, (Labor & Judiciary), Johnny Squire, (Agriculture), Kali Benson (Environmental), Leo Bergeron (Water), Karen Heckman (Education), Assistant Bob McFarland (Public Policy), and Bill Allen (Transportation). State Grange President Randall Lewis was on hand to provide direction and assistance.
Through public relations, workshops and an expanding communications network, Greene plans to promote the Grange’s legislative agenda and involve its ten thousand members state-wide at the “grass roots level”.
Thirteen resolutions adopted at the annual California State Grange Convention in October
called for state action and following on the recommendations of Director Greene, the Legislative Committee paired-down the resolutions to three priorities to focus on in 2008.
The three priority resolutions include the Grange working to increase the utilization of “green technologies” in the design of school and other public buildings in California; support for the inclusion of solar and renewable energy technology curriculum for California’s Certified Technical Education (C.T.E.) and Regional Occupation Program (R.O.P.) programs; and support for dams and reservoirs to conserve and regulate the flow of water in California’s rivers.
During the 2007 session of the State legislature, the Grange worked for passage of SB 669 to provide for bike and pedestrian trails on the levee system in California, and AB 684 providing for the production of industrial hemp in California. Both bills were vetoed by the Governor.
Considering the Grange’s motto, “Helping Farmers. Protecting Consumers”, Greene spoke briefly of the opportunity for the Grange to be involved in the debate over food safety issues, particularly as they relate to the prevention of the spread of E coli from contaminated crops.
For more information, please contact California State Grange Legislative Affairs at (916) 454-5805.