A Year of Progress
Just one year ago this month, Californians made a landmark decision to elect Arnold Schwarzenegger as our Governor in the historic recall election. Since then, California has recaptured optimism and pride in our state and our future. Over 120,000 new jobs have been created in California, with 41,700 of them in the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire.
Under the leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger, California has gotten its fiscal house into shape with a responsible budget without raising taxes. California has undertaken a comprehensive review of the state's performance in order to eliminate waste and streamline functions to make our state government more efficient.
In Washington, critical legislation has been passed benefitting California. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, H.R. 4520, provided incentives for businesses to remain in and return to California, incentive to stop runaway film production, and an expansion of tax credits for additional renewable energy sources. The Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act, H.R. 2828, reauthorized the California Federal Bay-Delta (CALFED) program, a necessary step towards bringing $395 million in federal funding for water projects that affect water quality and supply statewide. Congress and President Bush have provided more than $800 million in federal assistance to California just this year.
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.
