A Year of Accomplishments
The year 2003 was one of tremendous achievement for America. Under the leadership of President Bush we have successfully toppled one of history's most notorious dictators, reduced taxes for working families, and added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. As a result of these actions, we have made important progress in the continuing war on terror. We have brought the economy back from the brink of recession and created more than 300,000 jobs in the last four months. By adding the prescription drug benefit to Medicare, we have created an opportunity to revolutionize health care in this country by shifting the program's focus to preventive care.
Locally, there were important challenges and accomplishments as well. In October, our area was ravaged by wild fires that destroyed property and tragically claimed 20 lives. As a result, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. This legislation is aimed at dealing with dead and dying trees and brush that can act as kindling before they become a danger to our homes and businesses. Additionally, $500 million was included in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill to help California deal with the aftermath of these fires.
Groundwater cleanup and meeting our transportation needs continue to be top priorities for me as the San Gabriel Valley and Foothill's representative in Washington. In the appropriations process, I was able to secure an additional $10 million for the San Gabriel Valley Restoration Fund, as well as $3.2 million for the Alameda Corridor East, $4 million for a Gold Line Extension from Pasadena to Claremont, and $2.5 million for Foothill Transit. These funds will complement the efforts of state and local officials to provide safe drinking water, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve air quality. Past experience has shown us that working together yields the best results for you, our constituents.
Any review of the year gone by cannot fail to mention the exciting and historic recall and the subsequent election of Arnold Schwarzenegger as our new governor. Californians realized they could do something about the out-of-control fiscal situation in Sacramento and demand some accountability from the leader of our state. The result was an overwhelming vote for a fiscal conservative who promises to champion policies promoting economic growth and job creation for California. I was honored to be a part of that effort, and I am still proud of the message voters sent to the politicians in Sacramento - we're paying attention, and your actions have consequences.
Looking to the year ahead, we know we will face many challenges, but progress is possible. The war on terror will continue and our economy will create more jobs. Given the many successes of this year, it's my hope that we build on them in 2004. As we take stock of the accomplishments, particularly in the war on terror, I hope we all keep in mind the families of those whose sacrifices made them possible.
