CRP To Hold Executive Committee Meeting
April 18th, 2009 - Sacramento Convention Center
Posted: Thursday, March 26, 2009
CRP Chairman Ron Nehring Calls Executive Committee Meeting
Extraordinary Session Will Consider Positions On Upcoming Ballot Measures
SACRAMENTO - Citing the importance of the measures appearing on California's May 19th special election ballot, California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring today announced he will convene an extraordinary session of the party's Executive Committee on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Sacramento Convention Center for the purpose of considering party positions on these and other important propositions.
"Taxes in our state are too high because the lack of fiscal discipline in Sacramento has been too great, and voters will have the opportunity to directly impact that reality on May 19," said Chairman Nehring. "The measures slated for the special election will have profound implications for taxpayers and the economic climate here in California, and the voices of California Republicans need to be heard."
The Executive Committee is a body of as many as 100 California Republican Party leaders representing every region of the state. It is the only body within the party with the authority to take positions on ballot measures outside of a convention.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wellstone Club Meeting
The next Wellstone Club meeting will have Sen. Hancock and Assemblymembers Swanson and Skinner talking about the May Special Election. These meetings are open to everyone.
3-23-09 Thursday
6:45 to 9:30 PM (6Pm for pot luck)
Humanist Hall
390 27th St. (between Telegraph & Broadway)
Oakland
www.wellstoneclub.org
3-23-09 Thursday
6:45 to 9:30 PM (6Pm for pot luck)
Humanist Hall
390 27th St. (between Telegraph & Broadway)
Oakland
www.wellstoneclub.org
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Rep. Pete Stark on Stem Cell Research
I am excited to tell you about a long-awaited step forward in stem cell research. On Monday, President Obama lifted former President Bush's eight-year ban on funding for embryonic stem cell research. Now, scientists applying for federal grants will be able to use the thousands of stem cell lines that have been developed across the country, but were previously unavailable to those receiving federal funds.
This reversal removes a huge barrier to scientific advancement and will allow us to greatly increase our understanding of many terrible diseases. Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research will help open the door to cures and treatments for a host of diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes.
I am also a co-sponsor of two bills that go further in promoting stem cell research. The Stem Cell Research Improvement Act (H.R. 872) will expand federal funding for stem cell research and tasks the National Institute of Health with developing a set of federal guidelines for this research. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 873) will codify President Obama's actions and create strong ethical requirements for federally funded embryonic stem cell research.
I am encouraged by President Obama's reversal of the backward-minded Bush policies, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to support our nation's scientists and their research on stem cells.
Sincerely,
Pete
This reversal removes a huge barrier to scientific advancement and will allow us to greatly increase our understanding of many terrible diseases. Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research will help open the door to cures and treatments for a host of diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes.
I am also a co-sponsor of two bills that go further in promoting stem cell research. The Stem Cell Research Improvement Act (H.R. 872) will expand federal funding for stem cell research and tasks the National Institute of Health with developing a set of federal guidelines for this research. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 873) will codify President Obama's actions and create strong ethical requirements for federally funded embryonic stem cell research.
I am encouraged by President Obama's reversal of the backward-minded Bush policies, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to support our nation's scientists and their research on stem cells.
Sincerely,
Pete
Monday, March 9, 2009
Region 6 Meeting
The Region 6 Meeting of State Central Committee Members in advance of the April Convention is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14 at the Alameda County Labor Temple, 8400 Enterprise Way, Oakland.
The Labor Temple building is located near the Oakland Coliseum and Arena. From I-880, exit at Hegenberger Rd. and take Hegenberger east;turn right on Edes Ave., then left on Enterprise Way. The nearest BART is Oakland Coliseum.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Welcome
State Party Candidates - Presentation and Q&A with candidates running for State Party office at the April Convention
Resolutions - Discussion and possible recommendation of resolutions to be adopted at the April Convention
Open Forum/Announcements
New delegate training - Presentation designed for those who have not attended a convention - anyone who wants to know more about the organization of the Democratic Party and what happens at Conventions is encouraged to stay for this part of the program
Contact Region 6 Director Royce Kelley if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
The Labor Temple building is located near the Oakland Coliseum and Arena. From I-880, exit at Hegenberger Rd. and take Hegenberger east;turn right on Edes Ave., then left on Enterprise Way. The nearest BART is Oakland Coliseum.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Welcome
State Party Candidates - Presentation and Q&A with candidates running for State Party office at the April Convention
Resolutions - Discussion and possible recommendation of resolutions to be adopted at the April Convention
Open Forum/Announcements
New delegate training - Presentation designed for those who have not attended a convention - anyone who wants to know more about the organization of the Democratic Party and what happens at Conventions is encouraged to stay for this part of the program
Contact Region 6 Director Royce Kelley if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
From Frank Matarrese
Dear Neighbors,
Here are some updates which are of interest to Alameda:
NEXT TOWN HALL MEETING
Monday March 16th
7 - 9 PM
Crosstown Coffee
High Street and Encinal Avenue
BUDGET
We still await a decision from Sacramento on how the State plans to address
their multi-billion dollar deficit. State actions will certainly impact
Alameda and we are taking steps to be ready. A budget workshop was held on
Saturday, February 7 and the city's financial policies and fiscal status
were discussed. Additionally, we were informed of a $2.1 million cash
deficit within the city's Internal Service Fund, related to workers
compensation. The Chief Financial Office presented some options to address
this shortfall, which were again discussed at the Council meeting of
February 17th. There was progress made on finding solutions for meeting our
obligations to current retired City public safety workers and recognition of
the need to upgrade the antiquated information technology system currently
in use by the city.
One of the policies at the budget workshop which generated discussion was
related to using volunteers, part time employees and outsourcing as tools to
balance the budget. Volunteers have provided enormous enhancement of
programs but we cannot and should not run core services with them. While
there may be times when contracting out is appropriate and/or part time
positions make sense, the policies as proposed looked too much like the
destructive pattern that we've all seen in American industry. I opposed the
proposed policy and the Council agreed that it should not be included. Our
policy should be:
-To manage city departments more efficiently with a "flattened" organization
which maintains those positions that directly provide the service and
supervisors, but consolidates top management
-To work or contract with other public agencies to pool resources for
services that can benefit by economy of scale
-To base outsourcing on specialty services which are infrequently needed or
not justifiable for the city to maintain
These issues will continue to be addressed as we begin to prepare for the
2009-2010 fiscal year.
SISTERCITY
I was privileged to attend a dinner on Sunday February 8th in honor of some
thirty municipal government administrators from our Sister City, Jiangyin
City, China. These civil servants have been sent here to study Public Policy
and Administration in a three month intensive course at Stanford University.
This gathering furthered the exchange between Alameda and Jiangyin City and
helped strengthen our ties and understanding with a far away community whose
challenges are not unlike our own. Special thanks is given to Dr. Stewart
Chen, past member of our Social Services and Human Relations Board and
founder of the Sister City Committee, and to Dr. Nancy Li, the driving force
behind the Sister City Committee, for arranging this beneficial event.
FORWARD LOOKING ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
If you are interested an excellent example of good environmental design
applied to restoration of an old house and construction of a new house, stop
by the open house at 1533 Morton Street, February 26, 27 (3 - 6 pm) and 28
(11:30 am - 4 pm). See pictures and details at
http://1533mortonstreetalameda.shutterfly.com/ .
TOWN HALL AND FUTURE MEETINGS
I encourage you to attend my Town Hall Meetings and Council meetings during
these challenging times. Communication is vital to our efforts and your
ideas are welcome to help us make sound decisions for Alameda's future.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if I can be of further service.
Councilman Frank Matarrese
Here are some updates which are of interest to Alameda:
NEXT TOWN HALL MEETING
Monday March 16th
7 - 9 PM
Crosstown Coffee
High Street and Encinal Avenue
BUDGET
We still await a decision from Sacramento on how the State plans to address
their multi-billion dollar deficit. State actions will certainly impact
Alameda and we are taking steps to be ready. A budget workshop was held on
Saturday, February 7 and the city's financial policies and fiscal status
were discussed. Additionally, we were informed of a $2.1 million cash
deficit within the city's Internal Service Fund, related to workers
compensation. The Chief Financial Office presented some options to address
this shortfall, which were again discussed at the Council meeting of
February 17th. There was progress made on finding solutions for meeting our
obligations to current retired City public safety workers and recognition of
the need to upgrade the antiquated information technology system currently
in use by the city.
One of the policies at the budget workshop which generated discussion was
related to using volunteers, part time employees and outsourcing as tools to
balance the budget. Volunteers have provided enormous enhancement of
programs but we cannot and should not run core services with them. While
there may be times when contracting out is appropriate and/or part time
positions make sense, the policies as proposed looked too much like the
destructive pattern that we've all seen in American industry. I opposed the
proposed policy and the Council agreed that it should not be included. Our
policy should be:
-To manage city departments more efficiently with a "flattened" organization
which maintains those positions that directly provide the service and
supervisors, but consolidates top management
-To work or contract with other public agencies to pool resources for
services that can benefit by economy of scale
-To base outsourcing on specialty services which are infrequently needed or
not justifiable for the city to maintain
These issues will continue to be addressed as we begin to prepare for the
2009-2010 fiscal year.
SISTERCITY
I was privileged to attend a dinner on Sunday February 8th in honor of some
thirty municipal government administrators from our Sister City, Jiangyin
City, China. These civil servants have been sent here to study Public Policy
and Administration in a three month intensive course at Stanford University.
This gathering furthered the exchange between Alameda and Jiangyin City and
helped strengthen our ties and understanding with a far away community whose
challenges are not unlike our own. Special thanks is given to Dr. Stewart
Chen, past member of our Social Services and Human Relations Board and
founder of the Sister City Committee, and to Dr. Nancy Li, the driving force
behind the Sister City Committee, for arranging this beneficial event.
FORWARD LOOKING ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
If you are interested an excellent example of good environmental design
applied to restoration of an old house and construction of a new house, stop
by the open house at 1533 Morton Street, February 26, 27 (3 - 6 pm) and 28
(11:30 am - 4 pm). See pictures and details at
http://1533mortonstreetalameda.shutterfly.com/ .
TOWN HALL AND FUTURE MEETINGS
I encourage you to attend my Town Hall Meetings and Council meetings during
these challenging times. Communication is vital to our efforts and your
ideas are welcome to help us make sound decisions for Alameda's future.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if I can be of further service.
Councilman Frank Matarrese
Oakland assemblyman loses chairmanship over vote
I have to say that I'm behind Sandre 100% on the way he voted.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11838307
Mark
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11838307
Mark
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Convention Update
The CDC convention this April in Sacramento will entertain and pass resolutions. If any member of the club would like to submit a resolution, here's links to the resolution archive and rules:
http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.981881/k.3EF8/Resolutions.htm
http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.4127507/k.7745/Procedural_Rules_for_the_Resolutions_Committee.htm
Rules excerpt:
"All resolutions presented to the Committee for passage at an annual CDP Convention must previously have been adopted by a county Democratic central committee or a chartered Democratic organization, or must have been sponsored by 25 members of the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) or a majority of the voting DSCC members in attendance at a regional meeting as described in Article III, Section 4d of the CDP Bylaws."
Mark
http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.981881/k.3EF8/Resolutions.htm
http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.4127507/k.7745/Procedural_Rules_for_the_Resolutions_Committee.htm
Rules excerpt:
"All resolutions presented to the Committee for passage at an annual CDP Convention must previously have been adopted by a county Democratic central committee or a chartered Democratic organization, or must have been sponsored by 25 members of the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) or a majority of the voting DSCC members in attendance at a regional meeting as described in Article III, Section 4d of the CDP Bylaws."
Mark
Senator Hancock-My Thoughts on the Budget
Dear Friend:
After a long, frustrating and heart-breaking three month battle, the Governor recently signed a spending plan to address the financial crisis in California. As the actual prospect of insolvency was very real, it is with both relief but also apprehension that I am writing to you today.
The final agreement includes almost $42 billion in cuts, revenue increases and borrowing, including $11 billion to close the gap projected for the remainder of 2008-09 and close to $31 billion to balance the 2009-10 budget. Specifically, the agreement includes a combination of $14. 9 billion in cuts, $12.5 billion in temporary increased revenues, $7.9 billion in federal funding from the economic recovery bill signed into law by President Obama on February 17, $5.4 billion in new borrowing, and $957.2 million of additional cuts from the Governor’s line-item vetoes.
With the signing of this spending plan, we may have avoided the financial collapse of our state government, but we paid a great price. As your State Senator, I want to share with you with my personal reactions to the budget, and its implications for all Californians.
Beginning the New Year with an unprecedented $42 billion budget defect, California faced one of the most threatening financial crises in our state’s history. The problems we face are rooted to one fact: the 2/3rds Vote.
California is one of only three states that require a 2/3rds vote to pass a state budget. This is not how a democracy normally functions. Forty-seven other states, the United States Congress, and every city, county and school district in California pass budgets with a simple majority vote.
The 2/3rds vote requirement has proved fatally dysfunctional for California, making it impossible in recent years to pass budgets on time or with accountability.
It has allowed Republican legislators to hold California’s budget hostage. Rigidly opposed to any form of increased taxes, Republicans withheld their votes. Obtaining the three Republican votes in the Assembly and the three in the Senate that were necessary to pass the budget came at a great price: deep cuts to education and social safety services, weakening of major labor and environmental laws, tax cuts for business, additional borrowing, and putting constitutional amendments on the state ballot that have nothing to do with the state budget. Anything the Republicans cannot get done through legislation, they get done using the budget negotiations.
In the midst of an economic meltdown, this budget will unfortunately lead to a less equitable California. Instead of progressive tax increases that benefit the average Californian, regressive taxes and borrowing have been implemented. Increased sales tax and uniform surcharges on income tax for all brackets favor the wealthy. Massive layoffs of our teachers, health care providers, and social workers threaten the promise of California and its ability to protect its citizens. Things must change.
We Need Three Changes in the Budget Process
- A simple majority to pass the state budget. Let the majority party negotiate a budget and be held accountable for that budget, like the U.S. Congress and all levels of local government. That is why I have introduced a constitutional amendment, SCA 5, which will require simple majority as opposed to a 2/3rds majority for passing our state budget.
- California should consider a two-year budget in which the second year of the cycle is devoted to program oversight and any needed adjustments, caused by economic changes.
- Lastly, when the budget is adopted, it should contain five and ten year projections of expenses and income, so advanced planning can be done realistically and carefully.
In this hard time there is reason for hope. People are beginning to understand that our budget system is organized in an inefficient and undemocratic manner. We need changes in our current system to protect and provide opportunity for California’s citizens. If we are to save our great state we must work together to protect it.
If you want to know more about SCA 5, please let my office know.
Sincerely,
LONI HANCOCK
Senator
After a long, frustrating and heart-breaking three month battle, the Governor recently signed a spending plan to address the financial crisis in California. As the actual prospect of insolvency was very real, it is with both relief but also apprehension that I am writing to you today.
The final agreement includes almost $42 billion in cuts, revenue increases and borrowing, including $11 billion to close the gap projected for the remainder of 2008-09 and close to $31 billion to balance the 2009-10 budget. Specifically, the agreement includes a combination of $14. 9 billion in cuts, $12.5 billion in temporary increased revenues, $7.9 billion in federal funding from the economic recovery bill signed into law by President Obama on February 17, $5.4 billion in new borrowing, and $957.2 million of additional cuts from the Governor’s line-item vetoes.
With the signing of this spending plan, we may have avoided the financial collapse of our state government, but we paid a great price. As your State Senator, I want to share with you with my personal reactions to the budget, and its implications for all Californians.
Beginning the New Year with an unprecedented $42 billion budget defect, California faced one of the most threatening financial crises in our state’s history. The problems we face are rooted to one fact: the 2/3rds Vote.
California is one of only three states that require a 2/3rds vote to pass a state budget. This is not how a democracy normally functions. Forty-seven other states, the United States Congress, and every city, county and school district in California pass budgets with a simple majority vote.
The 2/3rds vote requirement has proved fatally dysfunctional for California, making it impossible in recent years to pass budgets on time or with accountability.
It has allowed Republican legislators to hold California’s budget hostage. Rigidly opposed to any form of increased taxes, Republicans withheld their votes. Obtaining the three Republican votes in the Assembly and the three in the Senate that were necessary to pass the budget came at a great price: deep cuts to education and social safety services, weakening of major labor and environmental laws, tax cuts for business, additional borrowing, and putting constitutional amendments on the state ballot that have nothing to do with the state budget. Anything the Republicans cannot get done through legislation, they get done using the budget negotiations.
In the midst of an economic meltdown, this budget will unfortunately lead to a less equitable California. Instead of progressive tax increases that benefit the average Californian, regressive taxes and borrowing have been implemented. Increased sales tax and uniform surcharges on income tax for all brackets favor the wealthy. Massive layoffs of our teachers, health care providers, and social workers threaten the promise of California and its ability to protect its citizens. Things must change.
We Need Three Changes in the Budget Process
- A simple majority to pass the state budget. Let the majority party negotiate a budget and be held accountable for that budget, like the U.S. Congress and all levels of local government. That is why I have introduced a constitutional amendment, SCA 5, which will require simple majority as opposed to a 2/3rds majority for passing our state budget.
- California should consider a two-year budget in which the second year of the cycle is devoted to program oversight and any needed adjustments, caused by economic changes.
- Lastly, when the budget is adopted, it should contain five and ten year projections of expenses and income, so advanced planning can be done realistically and carefully.
In this hard time there is reason for hope. People are beginning to understand that our budget system is organized in an inefficient and undemocratic manner. We need changes in our current system to protect and provide opportunity for California’s citizens. If we are to save our great state we must work together to protect it.
If you want to know more about SCA 5, please let my office know.
Sincerely,
LONI HANCOCK
Senator
Sandre Swanson Open House
March 20, 2009
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Reception and Mixer
Please feel free to ask our staff for a tour of the office
Elihu M. Harris State Building Atrium
1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Meet your state representatives and their staff, learn about State programs and services and celebrate the arrival of a new season.
Please RSVP to: Iesha Powell (510) 286 -1670 or email.
Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
(title is clickable...)
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Reception and Mixer
Please feel free to ask our staff for a tour of the office
Elihu M. Harris State Building Atrium
1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Meet your state representatives and their staff, learn about State programs and services and celebrate the arrival of a new season.
Please RSVP to: Iesha Powell (510) 286 -1670 or email.
Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
(title is clickable...)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Hot Topics for March
Hi folks! This is my first column and so as to start out on the right foot (or would that be left foot?) I want to try to begin outlining what’s before us and how we might act or react to the various issues. There is a lot going on just now so I’ll take each item in order of immediacy.
The first item concerns our elected officials and how we feel about how well they perform at their jobs. There is a new organization called Accountability Now Pac which will attempt to hold our office holder’s “feet to the fire” primarily by threatening to put a new candidate against them in a coming primary.
A little less harsh is a new program organized by our state party’s Progressive Caucus which is tracking legislation in our state and which will attempt to lobby, persuade, and/or coerce elected officials to vote one way or the other on various legislation. I am the local liaison for this process. First on our plate is health care reform within the state. Mark Leno is carrying a new version of the single payer bill from committee to the senate. So, the point in bring all of this up, is whether we’d like to do something similar? We could focus on city and/or county issues?
Next, we have the coming CDC convention in Sacramento from April 24 to 26. I will be attending with fellow 16th AD delegate Alice Freid, Rob Bonta (Mary Hayashi appointee), Barbara Kahn and Jim Oddie (Pete Stark appointees), and Dan Wood (Sandre Swanson appointee). You can see that we are well represented. If any member of the club would like to submit a resolution for the convention, please contact me for the proper format and process. Also, the party is calling for volunteers and you can also go as an observer (contact me for a form). Cost is $120 (plus meals if desired). Of course, the caucuses are always open to all democrats and you may join any state party caucus.
The May 19th ballot will have at least 7 propositions. We need to start looking at the various initiatives and the club will address this need. Look here for the propositions.
Man, what a full plate. Yet, I would ask every club member to think about joining in with the greening of Chipman School. Ask Barbara for advice. And, i almost forgot that the county registrar of voters is looking for precinct workers for May. Go here to volunteer
You Democrats are awesome!
Mark
Issues Chair ACDC
mbriggs13@gmail.com
The first item concerns our elected officials and how we feel about how well they perform at their jobs. There is a new organization called Accountability Now Pac which will attempt to hold our office holder’s “feet to the fire” primarily by threatening to put a new candidate against them in a coming primary.
A little less harsh is a new program organized by our state party’s Progressive Caucus which is tracking legislation in our state and which will attempt to lobby, persuade, and/or coerce elected officials to vote one way or the other on various legislation. I am the local liaison for this process. First on our plate is health care reform within the state. Mark Leno is carrying a new version of the single payer bill from committee to the senate. So, the point in bring all of this up, is whether we’d like to do something similar? We could focus on city and/or county issues?
Next, we have the coming CDC convention in Sacramento from April 24 to 26. I will be attending with fellow 16th AD delegate Alice Freid, Rob Bonta (Mary Hayashi appointee), Barbara Kahn and Jim Oddie (Pete Stark appointees), and Dan Wood (Sandre Swanson appointee). You can see that we are well represented. If any member of the club would like to submit a resolution for the convention, please contact me for the proper format and process. Also, the party is calling for volunteers and you can also go as an observer (contact me for a form). Cost is $120 (plus meals if desired). Of course, the caucuses are always open to all democrats and you may join any state party caucus.
The May 19th ballot will have at least 7 propositions. We need to start looking at the various initiatives and the club will address this need. Look here for the propositions.
Man, what a full plate. Yet, I would ask every club member to think about joining in with the greening of Chipman School. Ask Barbara for advice. And, i almost forgot that the county registrar of voters is looking for precinct workers for May. Go here to volunteer
You Democrats are awesome!
Mark
Issues Chair ACDC
mbriggs13@gmail.com
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