Category Archives: State Senate

Examiner.com: BOE member Runner seeks feedback on tax program

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(Sacramento) – California State Board of Equalization Member George Runner announced this week he is seeking feedback from business owners regarding a new use tax collection program administered by the State Board of Equalization.  In 2009, the California Legislature approved the “Qualified Purchasers Program.”  Runner, who was a state senator representing parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties at the time, voted against the bill, AB X4.

According to a press release issued by Runner’s office, the Board of Equalization (BOE) identified more than 500,000 businesses as “qualified purchasers” to date and has automatically registered many of them with a “use tax” account.  A “qualified purchaser” is defined as a service enterprise with more than $100,000 in gross receipts per calendar year that is not already registered with the Board of Equalization

Continue reading on Examiner.com BOE member Runner seeks feedback on tax program – Los Angeles Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-los-angeles/boe-member-runner-seeks-feedback-on-tax-program#ixzz1ReY7sJRh

iePolitics: Is it me or does it seem like maybe George Runner is considering a run for higher office?

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I was on George Runner’s constituent mailing list when he was a senator for quite some time. Many of you may remember the newsletters from him I would post from time to time.

I could be very wrong, but I don’t remember ever specifically asking his office to add me to their official press release list although I have made that request to any and all politicos via the blog on several occasions. I also don’t remember ever receiving any official press releases from his office when he was senator but I could be wrong on that too. I mostly lost touch with his office when his chief of staff died suddenly last year.

However, since George Runner has been a member of the Board of Equalization I have been added to his official press release list. That is a good thing.

What interests me is that lately I seem to be receiving more information from a BOE member than I do from any other state officer and certainly more information than I ever did when he was a senator.   I really appreciate that.

On top of that I have been added to Senator Sharon Runner’s newsletter list without requesting it, I believe.  Last night I think I called her office and asked to be added to her official press release list.  I say I “think” because I called so many senate office I can’t remember which ones for sure.

Anyway, it seems the Runners are trying to be especially high-profile.  That makes me wonder what George’s future plans are.  When he was on KFI a couple of days ago, Tim Conway suggested he would be a good candidate for Governor.  I actually agree.  I would vote for him. 

Whatever the reason is for what he is doing, it is nice to see an elected official go out of his way to make himself available to the public.  Let’s hope he keeps it up.

Senator Robert Dutton: Senate Republican Leader Dutton Offers

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Senator Bob Dutton

By Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton

As Americans around this country celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, I can’t help but think of the cornerstone that makes this nation so great – freedom.

And when I think of freedom, I reflect on the priorities that most Americans would like to achieve – a high quality of life for themselves and their families. That quality of life for many includes a safe neighborhood, a good job, quality schools and even homeownership.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Reining in Sandy Harmsen

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Supervisor Josie Gonzales and Sandy Harmsen

 

First off, what’s up with that hair?   Linda Haugen should not be a role model in the hair department.

But I shall retract my claws for a moment to express my delight with Senator Mark DeSaulnier who has introduced SB 776, a bill to force out-of-control Workforce Investment Boards such as our to actually use some of the millions of dollars they receive for training for . . . guess what?  Training!  Wow, what a concept.

Now some would question my concerns about federal monies being used to create fake jobs, go to golf tournaments, or for afternoons at the movies for employees to wind down.  Call me weird, but I actually believe that training money should be used for . . . not to be redundant . . . but training.  Yes, I know I’m a stick in the mud.

Seriously folks, for you that do not work for the county, I doubt you have any concept whatsoever just how fraudulent the Workforce Development Department has become under Sandy Harmsen.  Sandy, and fellow cougar, Linda Haugen are masters of falsified records for the purpose of obtaining federal funds.  I doubt either would know how to prepare a truthful document if their lives depended on it.

I called Senator DeSaulnier’s office tonight to let him know there is at least one person out there who supports his bill.  Anyone who is familiar with the fraud in this department, which I’m betting is get worse by the moment under CAO Greg Devereaux should do the same.

By the way, here is a link to the article where Sandy is crying the blues:  WIB

Examiner.com: Runner/Conway issue statements on majority vote budget

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Editor’s Note:  Again, we appreciate the clicks.  I have to say I liked Runner’s comments, which is why I decided to do the second story for the LA edition.

Assemblywoman Connie Conway

SACRAMENTO – Since his electiion to California’s top spot, Governor Jerry Brown has been tyring to persuade Republicans to allow the electorate to vote on extension of the sales tax increase, vehicle license fees, and state income tax increase.  The Republicans has been unwilling to allow another vote on the issue.

Today, Democrats used the authority voters gave them last year and passed a simple majority vote budget without a single Republican vote.  This is only the second time in the past two decades that a state budget has been passed on time.

The budget package is a combination of cuts, taxes and accounting maneuvers including the sale/leaseback of several state buildings.  Online retailers will now be required to collect sales taxes even if they are not based in California.   Homeowners in fire-prone zones will have new fees imposed on them.  Local sales taxes will be raised by .25 percent.   The vehicle registration fee will be raised by $12.  It cuts the state’s court system by $150 million and higher education by $300 million.

The Democratic budget brought a quick response from Republicans.  The District 2 Board of Equlization member and former assemblyman and senator George Runner issued the following statement:

Continue reading on Examiner.com Runner/Conway issue statements on majority vote budget – Los Angeles Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-los-angeles/runner-conway-issue-statements-on-majority-vote-budget#ixzz1POx6g1rI

Senator Robert Dutton: Senate GOP path is better deal for education than democrat proposal

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***Dutton Report***

Senate GOP Path is Better Deal for Education
than Democrat Proposal

Sacramento – As demonstrators representing the California Teachers Association union converge on the Capitol for a full week of protesting instead of a full week of teaching, Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton today issued the following statement:

General Fund revenues are anticipated to be higher than Governor Brown’s projected revenues in his January 2011 Budget. Senate Republicans believe these additional revenues eliminate the need to reduce funding for education or local law enforcement.

Senate Republicans believe that protecting law enforcement and education should be the highest priority. The Democrats should step up and join Republicans in defending the most vital services provided by state government, instead of giving raises and higher benefits to public employee unions, and doling out more money for big government welfare programs.

The public employee union, known as the California Teachers Association, clearly fails to understand that there is no budget plan that does more to protect education funding than the path proposed by a number of Senate Republicans. That path to a bi-partisan budget solution includes a hard spending cap budget reform proposal that specifically protected Proposition 98 funding for schools.

The spending cap those Senate Republicans proposed ensures that schools get their full share of state revenues as guaranteed in the State Constitution, and provides that additional expenditures above the new spending limit must be used for specified purposes that include increased funding for schools (i.e., maintenance factor, settle-up, and repayment of deferred education funds).

This proposed state spending limit would guarantee that education gets more funding than either of the state budgets proposed by the governor or legislative Democrats.

In addition to the spending cap, Senate Republicans also proposed pension reform and the following education reforms that would help ensure that excellent teachers are teaching our children and more taxpayer dollars are going to the classroom:

Continue reading →

Examiner.com: Dems kill bill to prohibit use of EBT cards to purchase alcohol and tobacco

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Editor’s Note: I appreciate any and all clicks on this article as that is what keeps Naomi fed. Also, if you are willing to subscribe, follow on Twitter, Facebook, etc., it gets Naomi fed more!  All of those options are located just under the title on the Examiner.com page.

I also want to note on this particular article for those who don’t know that I worked in the Welfare-to-Work system for many years that it is not that I was not in favor of this bill, it’s that I don’t feel there should be cash aid to begin with.  Instead I would rather see a voucher system so that the money goes where it is intended.

 

Senator Bob Dutton

SACRAMENTO – In a straight party-line vote, this week the Senate Human Services Committee killed a bill to prohibit the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase alcohol and tobacco.  Democratic Senators Loni Hancock (D-9), Carol Liu (D-21), Roderick Wright (D25) and  Leland Yee (D-8) voted against the bill while Republican Senators Tom Berryhill (R-14), Tony Strickland (R-19) and Bill Emmerson (R-37) voted in favor of the restrictions.

EBT cards function similarly to debit cards in that they can be used at ATMs and many retail establishments to access Food Stamps and cash aid (CalWorks formerly known as AFDC) benefits.  Last year a Los Angeles newspaper exposed perceived abuses by welfare recipients who used their EBT cards at Indian gaming casinos, strip clubs, and cruise ships as well as out-of-state casinos.  Then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an Executive Order prohibiting California casinos from accepting the cards.  However, the order did not address use of welfare benefits to purchase alcohol and tobacco.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

 

Senator Robert Dutton: Dutton Pro-Jobs Measure Advances

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Another bill to help employees adjust work schedules is killed

SACRAMENTO – A pro-jobs bill, authored by Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), aimed at helping California businesses grow and expand, was approved today by the Senate Committee on Governance and Finance.

A pro-employee bill, however, that would have made it easier for employees to adjust their work schedule, was squashed by the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations.

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Senator Bob Dutton:

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Condolences, Sympathy to
Earthquake/Tsunami Victims

As we continue to watch in shock and horror over the tragic loss of life and damage caused by the series of powerful earthquakes and tsunami that struck North East Japan, my wife, Andrea, and I join with everyone in the 31st Senate District in extending our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences. We are also concerned for the folks on the California coast impacted by significant damage this morning caused by the tsunami.

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Senator Sharon Runner: Legislative Update

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Per the Senate President pro Tempore’s office, Senators are on “on call” this weekend for a possible legislative session. Governor Brown continues to meet with members of the Republican caucus to discuss reforms and possibility of placing the measure to extend the 2009 temporary tax increases on the June ballot.

The four tax measures that are in discussions: 1) an increase in personal income taxes by 0.25-percentage point, 2) a reduction in the tax credit for dependents, from $300 to $99, 3) a one-percent additional increase in sales and use tax, and 4) a 0.5 percent increase to the Vehicle License Fee.

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WSJ: GOP Lawmakers May Back California Governor’s Tax Plan

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By VAUHINI VARA

In what could become a turning point in Gov. Jerry Brown’s effort to close California’s $26.6 billion deficit, a group of Republican state senators may support the Democratic governor’s plan to ask voters for extended tax increases, in exchange for concessions, people familiar with the matter said.

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iePolitics: A response from Assemblyman Paul Cook

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A few days ago I mentioned that I had emailed those San Bernardino County representatives being targeted by John and Ken.  Tonight I heard back from Assemblyman Paul Cook.  Here is an excerpt from his email:

Hi Sharon,  Just wanted to respond to this and state that I have signed a pledge and am on record with John and Ken to Not raise taxes and to Not vote to place taxes on the ballot.  John and Ken are advocating for a Taxpayers Caucus, which covers the exact same material as the pledge.  Given that I have  signed the pledge, the Taxpayers Caucus is redundant.  The organizers would rather talk in front of a microphone than take action.  . . .
Hope this helps clear the confusion.  Thanks,  Paul

So there you go.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: The John and Ken Rumor

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I asked one of my Assembly contacts if the claim made by John and Ken about Republican defectors is true.  I’m told it is not.

I also emailed all of the “defectors” except Emmerson, as I do not have his personal email address.  I doubt I will get responses, but we shall see.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Someone needs to ask Dutton, Emmerson, Conway, Knight and Cook “Why not?”

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Editor’s Note:  In the home county of Anthony Adams, this does not seem like a smart move.

California GOP lawmakers band together in new group that pledges to oppose Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax plan [Updated]

February 23, 2011 | 11:05 am

Two-thirds of Republicans in the California Legislature announced Wednesday that they were forming a new group and pledged not only never to vote to raise taxes but also to block efforts to place a tax-hike measure before voters.

The group’s creation is a stick in the eye for Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat whose budget plan is based on allowing a public referendum on extending taxes in June.

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Senator Robert Dutton: Dutton Pushes Job-Friendly Legislation

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SACRAMENTO–Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) introduced several pieces of legislation as part of his on-going effort to improve California’s business climate and grow the economy.

“We have the second highest unemployment rate in the nation, and a big reason for that is the burdens this state has placed on small businesses,” Senator Dutton said. “These bills will help to keep and create jobs by making California competitive with other states and by easing restrictive policies that add to the cost of doing business. They are also a win-win for employees and employers as they provide greater flexibility to employees in determining work schedules.”

Continue reading →

Senator Dutton: Dutton Legislation Will Save School Districts Millions

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SB 266 allows school districts to pay all substitutes the same rate

SACRAMENTO – Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) has introduced legislation that will save local school districts millions of dollars each year.

If passed, Senate Bill 266 will allow school districts to pay all substitute teachers within that district the same rate of pay. Under the current system, school districts are required to hire substitute teachers based on seniority, and to pay recently laid-off teachers at their old salary rate if they work as a substitute for at least 21 days in a 60-day period.

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iePolitics: Hagman’s star rises

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Assemblyman Curt Hagman

Assemblyman Curt Hagman’s success continued through the second year of his freshman term, bringing the total number of bills he sponsored that passed and were signed into law to ten.  Hagman credits his success with his ability to work with Assembly members on both sides of the isle.

Hagman is not only a rising star in the Assembly, but very well could challenge Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod for the San Bernardino County Fourth Supervisorial District seat in 2014.  Negrete McLeod is said to already be raising funds for that race, hoping to have amassed at least $1 million for what could be a contentious race.   Hagman would be a formidable opponent and is a strong fundraiser himself.

Among Hagman’s successes this past term:

AB 515: Tightens licensing requirements related to vehicles impounds, prohibits the owner of an impounded vehicle from changing the name of the owner until the vehicle is released from impound.

AB 1209: Allows police officers to book a person arrested for a misdemeanor crime at the scene or prior to the release of the arrested person. Previous law did not specify that booking could take place at the scene of the crime.

AB 1675: Makes entering an animal enclosure at a zoo, public aquarium, circus, or traveling animal an infraction or misdemeanor offense.

Additionally, AB 430, AB 794, AB 1129, AB 1800, AB 2128, AB 2181, and AB 2500 were all signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

Hagman, who won re-election easily this past November, continues this term as one of the Assembly Floor Leaders, working with Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, to keep Republicans in line over the “no tax” issue.

iePolitics: I guess we might as not bother having an election

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I happened to notice a new press release posted today on the San Bernardino County website.  The release is dated December 22 but it was not posted today.  Its purpose is to announce a special election for the 17th Senate District being vacated by George Runner, who won a seat on the State Board of Equalization this past November.

Continue reading →

SBGrapevine: Election 2010: Winners and Losers

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www.sbgrapevine.com

Involvement in politics, whether as a candidate, volunteer, staffer, or contributor, is not for the faint of heart. November 2, 2010 saw many winners and losers and some of the biggest losers were not even running for office.

By now almost all of the races have been decided statewide.  We thought we would take a moment to discuss a few of the biggest winners and losers in San Bernardino County.

Continue reading →

SBGrapevine: Editorial: Sen. Dutton Cuts Political Deal with Biane

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Senator Robert Dutton

www.sbgrapevine.com

Last week’s revelation that Ted Dutton, father of California State Senator Robert Dutton, was one of the  major donors behind Citizens Against Corruption Opposing Rutherford for Supervisor 2010 was barely noticed.  It’s significance is great however.

Senator Robert Dutton has not tried to hide his desire to be elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors at some point in the future.  Who would not with the generous salary, benefits, and pension plan?

Sources suggest he would also be allowed to purchase 10 years of service credit in the county’s retirement system for the years he spent in the California Legislature.  He could also connect the six years  of credit he received when he served on the Rancho Cucamonga City Council, which would provide him with a significant retirement when he left county service.

Continue reading →

SBSun: Local business owners, builders tied to anti-Rutherford committee

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Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer

Posted: 10/22/2010 06:45:26 PM PDT

Inland Empire business owners and developers have been linked to three campaign mailers opposing the challenger for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor’s 2nd District seat.The committee responsible for the mailers, Citizens Against Corruption Opposing Rutherford for Supervisor 2010, filed its campaign contribution and expenditure forms Friday with the county’s Registrar of Voters Office, naming five donors.

The contributions, totaling $35,000, came from Frank Glankler III, Urban Advisors Inc., Arron Corporation doing business as Alta Loma Limo, Harold Kneller and Gregory Severson.

Total expenditures by the committee equaled $66,840.

Continue reading →

Matt Munson: Caught In Another Budget Bind

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Senator Dutton has written yet another eloquent column about why we should pass Republican Party budget solutions, but Democratic Party legislators want to do it their way no matter how many more Californians will become unemployed or how massive the state’s budget problems will become in future years.

Even though Republicans may have the winning issues on the state budget and law and order, our state is so gerrymandered where the Democratic Party will likely be able to pass their state budgets in a veto-resistant manner after the next two elections. The Democratic Party has State Senate District 12 and 15 in the cross hairs so they can be ready to pass budgets without Republican Party influence.

Unfortunately we will have to see California collapse before voters ever do consider the Republican Party as a viable choice, but even so there are many demographic groups who would rather vote for a dog instead of a Republican. Republicans are going to have to build a relationship with these demographic groups that Republicans used as wedge issues in order to adapt to the demographics of our state today. Continue reading →

iePolitics: Vote Safe Now

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From their website:

Vote SAFE Now is a statewide ballot initiative that would secure California’s voting process by requiring voters to present photo identification at the polls; allow county Registrar of Voters additional time to count military votes that are mailed in from outside the U.S.; and protect the identity of absentee voters by concealing the voter’s signature on the envelope. Voters without I.D. will still be allowed to vote provisionally.

They are collecting signatures at this time and the petitions can be downloaded at their site:  Vote Safe Now

Paul Schrader: Paul Schrader candidate for Sheriff of San Bernardino County backs three pro-gun bills.

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We need to see change regarding the gun laws in California.  Call your lawmakers and tell them you want the law changed.

On Tuesday, April 6, the Assembly Public Safety Committee will consider three pro-gun bills.

Assembly Bill 2053, sponsored by Assemblymember Jeff Miller (R-71), would clarify the current statutes for law enforcement to issue a concealed firearms license.  Under AB2053, the “good cause” stipulation would apply to self-defense, defending the life of another, or preventing crime in which a human life is threatened. Continue reading →

Senator George Runner: Week in Review

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 Senator George Runner - Week In Review

 

 

Distraction – it’s a time-honored strategy

News of the Week
Murder suspect remained free after violations
Save money by paroling seriously ill inmates?
Hesperia warns of fire season to come, urges weed abatement now
Baseball pro throws thousands of dollars to local students

Kids do it when they’re in trouble. Husbands do it when they want to watch a game instead of doing chores. Dogs do it when they bring you a toy after they’ve had an “accident.” Even army generals do it when they want to disguise their retreat or find a devious way to win. And, according to Machiavelli, so do politicians.

That’s what is happening with the California Forward budget reform proposals introduced by Democrat legislative leaders – they are a distraction to facilitate deception.

Maybe we should call the proposal a diversion – a game or smokescreen – instead of reform. The real goal of this effort is to allow Democrats to raise taxes with a majority vote and eliminate the power Republicans have to stop their overspending. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Global Warming

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***Dutton Report Alert***

Non–partisan Analyst Says Global
Warming Regulations Will Cost
California Jobs

In response to a request from my colleague, Sen. Dave Cogdill (R–Modesto), the non–partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed California’s global warming legislation (AB32) and found that its implementation by state regulators will kill private sector jobs.

Among the key findings from the Legislative Analyst: Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: March 2010

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Dutton Report: March 2010

True Job-Creation Measures Would Lift Burdens

My 2010 legislative package contains a number of measures aimed at lifting the unneeded and burdensome regulations that have made California the most expensive place in the nation for businesses to survive (let alone make a profit).

California’s current unemployment rate stands at 12.5 percent; the rate in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties continues to hover around 14 percent. California’s economics woes are certainly the result of a global economic downturn that has been made much worse by this state’s anti-jobs business climate. Continue reading →

Senator George Runner: Jessica’s Law

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Senator George Runner - Week In Review
Voters’ intent with Jessica’s Law is clear: Keep dangerous sex offenders off the streets
 

News of the Week
Runner, Stricklands host town hall meeting on over-regulation of business
Pair of lawmakers aim to keep sex offenders off social Web sites
Keeping Sex Offenders Offline
Molester never should have been freed
AB32 vs. jobs

I am shaken to the core by the tragic deaths of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois. My heart goes out to their families and the tremendous loss they are forced to endure. No parent should ever have to experience such heartbreak.

That’s why it’s not surprising that when I said goodbye to my daughter last week (she is returning to Key West for Coast Guard duties) I gave her an extra hug and told her to be safe. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: CARB

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Larry Venus
March 4, 2010
916–651–4031

Dutton Calls on Air Board to Freeze Anti–
Warming Measures Until Jobs Impact
Report is Complete
Air Board has missed its own deadline, refused
to set completion date

SACRAMENTO–Senate Republican Leader–elect Bob Dutton (R–Rancho Cucamonga) has sent a letter to California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chairwoman Mary Nichols calling on her to suspend implementation of AB 32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, until a “valid, peer–reviewed economic analysis has been completed.”

Senator Dutton sent the letter to Mary Nichols after learning that CARB has yet to redo its initial flawed economic analysis by a promised Dec. 31, 2009 deadline. Last week CARB staff acknowledged that the new economic analysis has yet to be completed. Further, staff said they didn’t know when it would be done. (View my letter)

“Mary Nichols and CARB continue to drag their feet on what should be priority number one–the potential impact their actions will have on jobs,” Senator Dutton said. “So while CARB barrels forward to implement anti–global warming measures, they do so completely ignorant of the true economic impact their actions will have on Californians’ jobs and our economy.”

A key study from Sacramento State University economists estimates that the cost of AB 32 could be as high as 1.1 million lost jobs and a 10% reduction in the state’s economy.

Senator Dutton introduced legislation last year, SB 295 that would have required CARB to redo its flawed economic analysis. The bill was killed by Democrats in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee after Mary Nichols assured the majority party that SB 295 was unnecessary because the new economic analysis would be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.

“Mary Nichols and CARB should be held to the same standard they expect California businesses to follow,” Senator Dutton said. “We can do that by immediately suspending implementation of AB 32 until the revised economic analysis is complete.”

iePolitics: Ironic . . .

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It was previously reported that State Senator Roy Ashburn was arrested this week for drunk driving, but it was also mentioned that he was seen leving a gay club called Faces in Sacramento with an unidentified male companion. I don’t care what team the senator plays for, but when you vote against the community that you are allegedly a part of you end up becoming a clown. Senator Ashburn is a hypocrite where he organized anti-gay rights campaigns such as banning of domestic partnerships by day and then parties at the local gay bar at night throughout the years. Continue reading →

Who Are They?

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Update: I have Ronald’s e-mail address and will be looking fowards to sharing his press releases and maybe a future interview with him shortly.

Looking at the candidate filing status reports from the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters makes me puzzled at some of the people who put their hat in the ring for the June Primary.  Who are these individuals?

For one, I am glad Supervisor Ovitt has a challenger. However it took me a bit of detective work to figure out who is Ronald Wall. Ronald Wall is a Democratic Party activist, but what is Ronald Wall also good for?  I know that San Bernardino County needs to be cleaned up, but how will Ronald Wall clean up San Bernardino County government and represent the fourth district effectively?

In the 32nd State Senate District, the Republican Party has an announced challenger and he is yet another dark horse candidate. Who is Michael T. Bryant from Ontario, California? He used to have his email address listed, but it was taken down when I tried to ask about his candidacy.  I don’t want to end up knocking on his doorstep asking for details about his campaign since he did not leave a phone number, web site or e-mail address.

It would be appreciated for future canidates to have at least a public address even from a place such as hotmail or yahoo so people could offer their support or ask a few questions so they would be informed voters.

If you are any of these individuals feel free to leave a reply on this post, or better yet get in contact with the administration here for an account where you can post your press releases and speeches on how you can make our communities better.

Senator Robert Dutton: Jobs Bandwagon

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In Case You Missed It:

Democrats Try to Jump on Jobs
Bandwagon

This piece was published in the Flash Report on Feb. 22.

By Sen. Bob Dutton

In sports, they’re called “bandwagoners,” – you know the type of fan that supports a team only when they start winning and become popular with the public.

Such is the case these days as those claiming to be “pro-jobs” are jumping on the bandwagon during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

I have spent a career running a small business in Southern California and know first hand the responsibilities and costs of signing the front of a check as a business owner. As a result of my real-world experiences as a business owner, I brought a pro-jobs agenda with me when I came to Sacramento in 2002.

Every year since being elected I have introduced legislation to help lift the economic burdens that make California the most expensive place in the nation to do business.

Unfortunately each year nearly all of my pro–jobs measures have been killed in their first committee hearing by Democrats who control both houses of the Legislature. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Climate Zealotry

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In case you missed it:

Climate zealotry

Don’t make California the global warming guinea pig

This op-ed was published in the Feb. 21 edition of the Press Enterprise.

By BOB DUTTON

In his State of the State address, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared that jobs are his top priority and unveiled an initiative aimed at creating 100,000 jobs, streamlining regulations and curbing frivolous lawsuits.

The governor’s proposals are a good first step. Allow me to suggest a vital second step: Put the brakes on out-of-control, unelected bureaucrats whose regulatory actions are killing jobs and endangering our economic future.

Just look at the California Air Resources Board. Even while furloughs slow work at other state agencies, the folks at the air resources board are speeding ahead with full force to impose sweeping, untested global warming regulations. They seem intent on making California the nation’s global warming guinea pig. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: MDOs

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For Immediate Release
February 19, 2010		   Contact: Larry Venus
(916) 651–4031

 

Dutton Measure Seeks Safeguards to Protect Public From Mentally Disordered Offenders

SACRAMENTO – Senate Republican Leader-elect Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) today introduced Senate Bill 1265 to protect the public by giving local authorities the ability to use common sense when mentally disordered offenders are released into neighborhoods.

The need for the bill stems from a homicide that took place in Upland last month. The murder took place in an unsupervised “group home” where seven male offenders were living. All seven men had been released from mental hospitals under the Department of Mental Health’s Forensic Conditional Release Program (ConRep). The unlicensed facility where they lived shared a fence with an elementary school. Continue reading →

Senator George Runner: BOE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2010

Contact: Matt Rexroad
916-648-1222
Poll Shows George Runner is Clear Frontrunner in BOE Race

Sacramento – The results of a poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies show Senator/Taxpayer Advocate and Board of Equalization candidate George Runner as the clear frontrunner in the primary race for Board of Equalization.

The California Republican Primary Survey shows Runner was chosen by 56% of likely voters in the upcoming Republican primary, more than doubling the combined score of both of his opponents who each received 12% of the vote. Continue reading →

Senator George Runner: AB32

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Senator George Runner - Week In Review
The Continuing Consequences of AB 32
 

News of the Week
Legislators to address business “over-regulation” Friday
The sky is falling, and so is California’s prosperity
Republicans Introduce Private Sector Job Creation Package
McGrath School Receives State Recognition For Academic Achievement
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Ever since Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32 (The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) into law, climate change has been the “it” issue of the day. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, AB 32 transfers a huge amount of power to the unelected Air Resources Board without providing any real oversight or accountability. This risky move has produced some serious consequences.

Under the AB 32 umbrella, more legislation has popped up that prioritizes “going green” over California taxpayers and businesses; all following the trend of taking control and money away from elected governing bodies, and handing it to the Air Resources Board.

For example, in 2008 the Governor signed Senate Bill 375 into law. This new law takes control away from local governments by mandating that regional transportation agencies notify the state about how they will meet specific greenhouse-gas reduction targets as set by the ARB. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Democrats Fall Short

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***Dutton Report Alert***

Democrats Fall Short on Budget Solutions

Rather than making the tough decisions necessary to bring the state’s revenues in line with spending, California’s Democrat-controlled Legislature is once again settling for partial solutions to our state’s massive budget gap.

The Democrat plan approved by the Senate today ignores nearly $5 billion in cuts proposed by the Governor and specifically excludes reductions in programs that constitute over 80 percent of the state’s General Fund budget.

Less than one-third of the $5 billion in “solutions” actually approved by the majority party are actual cuts. The remaining two-thirds are realized through tax increases, gimmicks, deferrals and other cost avoidance measures. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Job Creation Package

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Larry Venus
February 17, 2010
916–651–4031

Republicans Introduce Private
Sector Job Creation Package
Measures include 10 bills by Senator Dutton to lift
the economic burdens hindering job growth

SACRAMENTO–Senate Republican Leader–elect Bob Dutton (R–Rancho Cucamonga) has introduced 10 bills as part of a 24–bill Republican package to stimulate California’s private sector economy.

The legislation by Senator Dutton and other Republican senators was introduced as part of the emergency session declared by Governor Schwarzenegger to address California’s current fiscal crisis. This year’s budget deficit is an estimated $6 billion through June 2010 and nearly $20 billion by June 2011.

“The only way we’re going to solve California’s fiscal woes is through private sector job creation,” Senator Dutton said. “The difference between our plan and that of my Democrat colleagues is that their job creation proposals continue to increase the size of government.”

A recent editorial by the San Diego Union–Tribune titled “The Jobs Plan That Isn’t”observes that “instead of helping the state’s reeling private sector. The Democrats’ blueprint is almost entirely focused on using taxpayer funds to create government–paid positions.”

Continue reading →

George Runner: State Board of Equalization

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2010

Contact: Matt Rexroad
916-648-1222
Claims by Nakanishi Campaign on Slates are FalseSacramento – Senator/Taxpayer Advocate George Runner announced today that he has secured more slate purchases than any other candidate despite false claims by the Alan Nakanishi campaign in the race for Board of Equalization.

A recent announcement from the Alan Nakanishi for Board of Equalization campaign claims he has secured, “…three times more GOP slate cards than his nearest opponent, including such popular slate cards as the California Voter Guide, California Law Enforcement Voter Guide, Republican Taxpayers Association, Continuing the Republican Revolution, and nearly a dozen others.”

The claim that Nakanishi has secured more slates than Runner is simply not true.

The slates secured by Nakanishi total about five million pieces of slate mail. The Runner campaign has secured more than five million pieces of slate mail from Citizens for Good Government, COPS Voter Guide (earned), Family Faith & Freedom Association, PORAC Official Law Enforcement Guide (earned), Save Prop 13 by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (earned), Voter Guide Slate Mail, Small Business Action Committee, California Taxpayer Protection Committee, California Economic Reform Project, and the Republican Voter Checklist among others.

If Nakanishi has three times more slates than any other opponent, then he should be able to demonstrate over 40 slates. He clearly can’t do that.

“I would ask Dr. Nakanishi to either substantiate the claim his campaign has made repeatedly regarding slates or discontinue spreading false information,” said Runner.

George Runner currently represents a large southern portion of BOE District 2 in the State Senate. He authored the successful Amber Alert system and Jessicaʼs Law in 2006. He resides in Lancaster with his wife, former Assemblywoman Sharon Runner.

iePolitics: Yet Another Opponent for Supervisor Paul Biane

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Sacramento-based sources claim that Senator Robert Dutton (R-31) will throw his hat into the ring to unseat embattled San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Paul Biane.  Three others, Upland Mayor John “JP” Pomierski, KCAA radio host Peter “Scott” Markovich, and publisher of The Alpenphorn News, Dennis Labadie, have all expressed interest in the seat, with the latter two having already declared their candidacies.

Biane was implicated this week as John Doe 5 in a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy and bribery when San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos filed charges against former Assessor and Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor and Third District Chief of Staff Jim Erwin. This, combined with other on-going legal issues, opens the door for a likely successful unseating of Biane. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Time to Put California Jobs First

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***Dutton Report Special***

Time to Put California Jobs First

Yesterday several California small business owners and my Republican colleagues joined together to emphasize the importance of private sector job creation and to continue our campaign to revive California’s struggling economy.

Our campaign titled “California Jobs First” seeks to:

  • Stop jobs from leaving our state
  • Restore California’s competitiveness as a jobs-friendly state
  • Cut wasteful government spending and needless bureaucracy
  • Provide regulatory relief for individuals and small businesses
  • End the frivolous lawsuits that raise our cost of living
Jobs Press Conference
Watch as I join private business owners and members of the Senate and Assembly during the “California Jobs First 2010″ press conference on Feb. 10, 2010. (VIEW VIDEO)

Since 2000 we’ve lost over 600,000 manufacturing jobs. Adding insult to injury, regulators are now developing global warming regulations that will cost our state 1.1 million more jobs. Regulations are killing jobs in California.

To protect private sector jobs, I’ve introduced Senate Bill 960 that will require the non partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office to determine the cost effectiveness and feasibility of regulations imposed by the California Air Resources Board.

I’ve also introduced Senate Bill 942 that will require the State Auditor to review existing regulations and point out those that are unnecessary or too costly to implement. The bill will also sunset all regulations after 10 years unless they are determined they are necessary. These measures and others like them will help private business and bring some common sense back to our regulatory climate.

It takes 25 private sector jobs to support every state government job. We need to stop killing private sector jobs that help provide the funds necessary to build roads, support our schools and make our communities a safer place to live and work.

Over the next several days my Republican colleagues and I will be introducing many more pieces of legislation aimed at lifting the burdens that are hurting job creators. It’s time we put the small businesses of California first instead of making them wait at the end of the line.

California will recover from this current recession. It is up to the Legislature to determine how long the recovery will take.

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George Runner: Board of Equalization

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2010

Contact: Matt Rexroad
916-648-1222
SACRAMENTO – Adding to the long list of elected officials and organizations throughout California who support his candidacy for the Board of Equalization, taxpayer advocate and Senator George Runner (R- Antelope Valley) announced today he has earned the endorsement of the California Republican Veterans Association (CRVA).“I am honored to have the endorsement of an organization that represents our state’s military men and women who have shown incredible dedication and bravery in serving our country,” Runner said. “I am grateful to the California Republican Veterans Association for their confidence in my ability to represent the interests of our state’s veterans on the Board of Equalization.”This endorsement comes on the heels of the recently announced endorsement of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Senator Runner is running for BOE District 2, the largest of four districts that comprise California’s statewide tax board. The district encompasses all or portions of 34 counties that span from the California-Oregon border to San Bernardino County.
 
George Runner currently represents a large southern portion of BOE District 2 in the State Senate. He authored the successful Amber Alert system and Jessica’s Law in 2006. He resides in Lancaster with his wife, former Assemblywoman Sharon Runner.

# # #
Paid for by Taxpayers for George Runner, ID #1304898

Senator George Runner: Week in Review

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Senator George Runner - Week In Review
Putting California Jobs First in 2010 – Conservative Themes on Job Creation

News of the Week
Runner proposes ‘Ronald Reagan Day’
The ‘jobs’ plan that isn’t / California Dems indifferent to state’s reeling private sector
Santa Clarita Opts For Industrial Strength Business Incentives
Editorial: Kicking contractors

In 2010, along with my Republican colleagues, I will continue to make job creation and economic recovery the number one priority. In the coming weeks, we plan to introduce and support bills that improve the jobs climate.

As a matter of fact, everything that the Legislature does this year should be viewed from the perspective of its impacts on California jobs – every bill, every budget line-item, and every regulation.

The first action is to stop California jobs from fleeing our state. With a 12.4 percent unemployment rate, translating to 2.25 million Californians out of work, the Legislature needs to stop jobs from leaving the state. Republican Legislators will continue to stand united in 2010 in opposition to tax increases and job killer bills.

Next, we must restore California’s Competitive Job Creation Climate. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Dutton Takes Aim at State Regulations

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For Immediate Release
February 4, 2010		 Contact: Larry Venus
(916) 651–4031

Dutton Takes Aim at State Regulations

Bill requires Auditor to recommend eliminating regulations

SACRAMENTO – Senate Republican Leader-elect Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) is keeping his pledge to protect and create jobs in California by identifying and eliminating unnecessary state regulations.

Senate Bill 942 calls upon the non-partisan State Auditor to review existing regulations and to recommend eliminating those found to be unnecessary or too costly. The bill also requires that regulations sunset after 10 years unless they are determined necessary.

“The regulatory maze in California is mind boggling,” said Senator Dutton. “Over decades of time state bureaucrats have developed one of the most confusing and burdensome regulatory systems on the planet.”

More than 600,000 Californians lost their jobs over the past year. The unemployment rate statewide is 12.4 percent, one of the highest in the nation. In San Bernardino and Riverside Counties the unemployment rate is 14 percent.

The well-respected Economist magazine observed that California’s “high taxes, coupled with intrusive regulation of business and greenery taken to silly extremes, have gradually strangled what was once America’s most dynamic state economy.”

“California’s economy can thrive once again, but only if state government comes to its senses and helps employers make a profit so they can hire people,” continued Dutton. “There are millions of people in this state who want a job. Let’s pass common sense bills like SB 942 that will help put California families back on the road to prosperity.”

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Senator George Runner: Week in Review

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Senator George Runner - Week In Review

California Supreme Court upholds the will of the people and rights of victims

News of the Week
State, city officials make time for business owners’ concerns
State health takeover: Are they kidding?
Court Ruling Upholds Jessica’s Law
Remembering courage and sacrifice
Californians Lose their Parking Privileges

The California Supreme Court made the right choice on Monday when it sided with voters and victims by upholding Jessica’s Law 2,000-feet living restriction for sex offenders who were paroled after the date the law was passed.

I am pleased with the ruling. The court has upheld the will of the voters and the rights of victims who, let’s not forget, have suffered from the hands of society’s worst criminals.

The court’s ruling is consistent with the intent behind Jessica’s Law, which is to provide better safety for children by preventing paroled sex offenders from living near schools.

According to the Declaration of Independence, our leaders have the right to rule only with ‘the consent of the governed’ and the California Supreme Court proved that today.

It’s a good day for Californians and for Democracy. Continue reading →

Senator Robert Dutton: Mentally Disordered Offenders

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Dutton Report Alert

Bill responds to Upland murder, places restrictions on mentally disordered offenders

Senator Dutton discusses his proposed legislation on John and Ken

To make our neighborhoods safer, I am crafting legislation that will give more control to local authorities when mentally disordered offenders are released back into neighborhoods.

Many of you are aware of a homicide that took place in Upland last month. The murder took place in an unsupervised home where seven male offenders were living. All seven men had been released from mental hospitals under the Department of Mental Health’s Forensic Conditional Release Program (ConRep).

It turns out that because of some quirks in the law, local communities are kept in the dark when high-risk individuals like these seven offenders are placed in their communities.

In the next several days I will be introducing a bill that will do three things:

  1. Allow the District Attorney’s office to notify local law enforcement agencies when a ConRep individual is being placed in their community.
  2. Prohibit these individuals from living closer than 2,000 feet from a school – the same as Jessica’s law.
  3. Limit the number of ConRep individuals who can reside in the same home to three.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk about this issue on the popular John and Ken radio show on KFI 640. I invite you to listen to an audio recordering of the interview.

I will keep you up-to-date on the progress of this common sense legislation as it is considered by the Legislature in the weeks to come.

Senator Robert Dutton: Jobs

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JOBS CONTINUE FLEEING TO BUSINESS-FRIENDLY STATES

Last year when Toyota announced plans to close its manufacturing plant in Fremont, legislators mounted an effort to save the 4,700 jobs that are impacted by the closure. At that time I asked, “If the Democrats were willing to save the Toyota plant by suspending environmental regulations and creating tax incentives, among other things, why are they not willing to pass such measures to save jobs all across our state?” (read my prior comments)

Not surprisingly, the last-minute efforts failed to convince Toyota to keep the plant open. It was too late. Its planned closure in March provides further evidence of California’s unfriendly business climate.

Here’s the twist: Toyota is now expanding its operation in Texas. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, some of the new Texas jobs are the very same jobs being eliminated in California. (see article)

The fact that Toyota is shifting California jobs to Texas is not a coincidence. As I’ve said before, California should do more to emulate the State of Texas in retaining and creating private sector jobs. (read my prior comments)

If California’s jobless rate (12.4%) was the same as Texas’ rate (8.3%), nearly 750,000 people who have lost their jobs in this state would still be employed and we wouldn’t have as severe a budget deficit.

I again urge my Democrat colleagues to reject every bill that would cost even one private sector job. I challenge them to work together with Republicans to lift the needless regulations and unfunded mandates that make California the most difficult place in America to do business.

With all due respect to my Democrat colleagues, if we don’t change our ways, California will continue to watch jobs flee to business friendly states like Texas while our recovery lags the rest of the nation.

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