The Margett Minute: March 13, 2008

California’s dark budget picture grew that much grimmer as the state’s nonpartisan budget analyst revised the projected $14.5 billion deficit to $16 billion. We are going the wrong way and it is clear we will have to take significant measures to bring our state’s financial condition back into balance. Given the long and heated budget battle last year in which my Senate Republican colleagues and I were branded as obstructionists by the democratic leadership, another protracted impasse is imminent.

At the heart of the struggle are two distinct and contrasting fiscal philosophies that guide Republicans and Democrats. My democratic colleagues in the California legislature believe in big government. Very big government. In the past five years, state spending has grown by $25 billion, well outpacing increases in inflation and population growth.

We are no better today than we were five years ago. Although we have increased spending by billions of dollars, our schools still lag behind in national rankings and the safety of our neighborhoods, the condition of our roads, and our health care system have not shown significant improvement. Simply put, the average Californian is not seeing the benefits promised to them by California’s increased spending.

State spending increases have gone to wasteful and unnecessary programs pushed by special interest groups. In fact, the state is providing benefits that are downright generous. For example, by including such perks as acupuncture and chiropractic care, the state has expanded health services to the poor that well surpass what many in the middle-class receive through the private sector.

Republicans believe California’s budget and economy will revive itself if government does not deficit spend, cuts spending on wasteful programs, and creates an environment that allows the entrepreneurial spirit of job providers to flourish – something that can be achieved largely by getting out of the way.

Big government Democrats do not get out of the way though. They stand in the middle of the road wagging their finger at California’s economic engine, while draining the oil and loading up the trunk.

Since the Democratic majority keeps spending more money than taking in, their budget “solutions” invariably consist of more borrowing, more gimmicks, and calls for more taxes. The mid-year reductions taken earlier this year put this approach in plain view. Borrowing and accounting tricks were utilized to yield $5.4 billion in new revenues, but they could only come up with $1.5 billion in reductions. Calling off surveys on the success of state government and eliminating the aforementioned acupuncture and chiropractic benefits for Medi-Cal patients were among some of the proposed reductions; however, they ultimately were too much for the Democratic majority to bear and subsequently funding was continued.

Experience should have taught us that raising taxes would not get us out of this budget crisis. When Governor Wilson and the legislature raised taxes in the early 90s, revenues plummeted. If we expect to actually raise revenues we need to focus on revitalizing the economy and taking actions that stimulate job creation and economic growth. We do not need to add to a tax burden that already defines California.

With the opening of another gargantuan budget hole, it is only a matter of time before Democrats start pushing for more and higher taxes for the upper and middle classes. Is it really worth lightening taxpayers’ paychecks to sink more revenues into ineffective social programs? For me, the answer is a firm ‘No.’

Back to the top

Legislative Update

SB 1192: (Employment: Meal and Rest Periods)
Current law mandates an employer to provide a meal or rest time within a five hour period. If a meal or rest time is not taken, the employer is open to litigation and required to pay one hour more in regular time to the employee as well as a penalty set forth by the courts. This bill would clarify that employers provide a meal or rest period by making one available to the employee without interfering with its use. This bill would also provide this meal period may commence at any time before the start of the 6th hour of work.
STATUS: Hearing set in the Senate Labor & Industrial Relations Committee on April 9.

SB 1398: (Birth and Death Records)
Current law states the State Registrar, local registrar, or county recorder may provide a certified copy of a birth or death record to an authorized individual upon production of a statement sworn under penalty of perjury. This measure would require a person requesting a certified copy of a birth or death certificate to show a driver’s license or other government issued identification.
STATUS: Hearing set in the Senate Health Committee on March 26.

SB 1259: (Crimes Against Elders and Dependent Adults)
Current law makes it a crime to willfully cause or permit an elder or dependent adult to suffer or inflict unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering or be placed in a situation in which his or her health is endangered. This bill broadens the scope of the law to include the exertion of undue influence upon an elder or dependent adult for financial gain. Also, the bill would enhance penalties for those with prior elder abuse convictions.
STATUS: Hearing set in the Senate Public Safety Committee on April 1

Back to the top

Home Schooling

On February 28, 2008 the 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled that California law requires a minor to attend a public full-time school, private full-time day school, or be taught by a tutor with a valid state teaching credential. The court held that parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children. While this ruling has the potential to seriously harm a parent’s right to teach their child at home, it is unlikely it will be applied statewide at this time. The parties in this lawsuit are expected to file an appeal. If you would like to read the opinion for In re Rachel L. et al., please visit the following website:
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B192878.PDF

Back to the top

Same Sex Marriage

On March 4, 2008 the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the issue of same sex marriage. Four lawsuits were combined in this case and arguments lasted 3 ½ hours. Same sex marriage advocates argued the ban is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The state and others argued the court should uphold the tradition of marriage between a man and a woman and only allow change upon approval by the voters. A ruling is not expected for several months.

Back to the top

29th District School Will March in Macy's Parade

Nogales High School in Rowland Heights recently announced they have been invited to march in the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Noble Regiment Band is one of only ten bands in the nation that have been asked to perform at this year’s event. Congratulations to the Nobles and to the Rowland Unified School District!

Back to the top

Eagle Scout Dinner

On February 21st, I had the distinct honor of addressing the San Gabriel Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America. I was asked to address the Council’s Eagle Scouts Association and offer my thoughts about being an Eagle Scout. I appreciated having the opportunity to address this distinguished group of leaders to reflect about my path to Eagle Scout and the good work the Boy Scouts are doing for the young men of America.

Back to the top

Cancer Rights Conference

The Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) is hosting a Cancer Rights Conference on March 29.  The purpose of the free conference is to educate patients, survivors, family, friends, caregivers, and health providers about legal issues related to cancer.  There will be breakout sessions covering topics such as the managed care system, employment and insurance rights, and how to pay for treatment, among others.   The conference will be held at Loyola Law School, in Merrifield Hall, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  For further information, visit www.DisabilityRightsLegalcenter.org.

Back to the top

Summer School In Spain

The Institute of Hispanic Studies, part of the Catholic University of Avila, Spain, is offering a summer school study program for college students.  The session runs from July 7 – August 1, 2008 and the curriculum is focused primarily on the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.  This is a terrific opportunity to learn more about the Spanish culture in Spain itself.  The deadline to apply is June 1, 2008.  For further information, please visit http://www.estudioshispanicosucav.es.

Back to the top

Women's Conference

Please join me for the 2008 Expanding Horizons Women’s Conference on April 19, 2008 at the Citrus College Campus Center. The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes a luncheon and multiple break-out sessions. The session topics include health, finance, self-defense, and a legislative update. For more information please contact the district office at (626) 914-5046.

Back to the top