2007 Legislative Interview: John Laird
Annually, the California Leagues interview their local state representatives. Last March 16, 2007 League members Beverly Bean, Pris Walton, Dennis Mar and Jessica Mittleman met with Assembly member John Laird (District 27 - coastal Santa Cruz and Monterey counties). The California State League prepared questions in five areas.
Topic 1- Healthcare Coverage:
Despite Governor Schwarzenegger's 2006 veto
of SB-840, Mr. Laird believes that
universal coverage is the next logical step. Mr. Laird continues to support
the ultimate
goal of single payer method of universal health care. He was the point
person for kids'
health in the 2006 budget negotiations. Mr. Laird is the co-author of AB-13
(Universal
Children's Health Care) with State Senator Sheila Kuehi. He supports expanding
the
coverage of AB-13 to reach more kids, not just the poorest ones that are
currently
covered.
Topic 2- Resource Allocation:
Resources must be allocated with an eye on the state's future. The bond
package
introduced last year by the Governor did not allocate sufficient funds
for the
infrastructure needed to support the projected population growth. Also
the bonds were
primarily designated to capital costs, yet the funding struggles are mainly
in operations.
For education, Mr. Laird suggested that for every two dollars allocated
to repairing and
upgrading existing schools, one dollar should be allocated to building
new schools.
Other areas of growth that will need to be addressed are: housing, parks,
transportation
and air quality. Focusing on mass transit will support air quality and
road congestion. He
proposed that the extra money from gas taxes should be allocated to mass
transit costs
rather than the road development and maintenance costs.
Question 3- Balancing Budget:
Mr. Laird stated that the California budget process is dysfunctional, due
to the two-thirds
requirement and the Governor's line item veto. In 2002 there was a $38
billion deficit,
currently there is a $5 billon debt. The state government has come back
economically
exclusively with budget cuts and refinancing. There has been no increase
of tax rates,
which would have increased revenue to the state budget. Budget areas unprotected
by
constitutional amendment have received the most substantial cuts, which
include health
and social services as well as our publicly subsidized higher education
system.
Question 4- Redistricting
Mr. Laird agrees with the adage: "Voters should choose legislators, legislators
should
not choose voters." There needs to be a broad base of communities of
interest
participating in elections. Many stakeholders are left out due to redistricting.
Mr. Laird
would support an independent citizens' redistricting commission.
Question 5- Major issues and personal priorities
According to Mr. Laird the areas of major issues that the face the California
state
legislature faces in 2007 are (1) balancing the state budget, (2) working
towards gains in
health care and (3) dealing with our prisons. His personal priorities are
to continue to
focus on (1) protecting the environment and (2) children's healthcare.
Mr. Laird currently
has twelve environmental bills active, including ocean protection and water
conservation.
