Los Angeles and Bay Area News Groups Recognize Gatto for Never Missing a Vote

Excerpt from Rick Orlov's Tipoff in the LA Daily News / Contra Costa Times:

“Speaking of the Assembly, one local member has a voting record that was unmatched this past year.

It turns out Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) cast a yes or no vote in all 5,897 roll calls this year. He was the only member to not miss a vote.

And Gatto accomplished this all in the shadow of the investigation into his father’s murder in his Silver Lake home.

Kind of like being the kid with the perfect attendance record.”

See the article at http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_27136565/tipoff-assemblywoman-lopez-catching-up-and-feeling-at

Associated Press: Legislature approves reforms for enterprise zones

Excerpts from an Associated Press article about AB 93's passage in the California Legislature last week.  Strong words, I know.  But the system badly needed reform. 

Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, urged lawmakers to approve a measure to overhaul California's enterprise zone program, during the Assembly session at the Capitol Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Sacramento, Calif. The measure AB93 by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, D-Woodland Hills, and supported by Gov. Jerry Brown, failed to pass on the two initial attempts, but was passed on the third vote. Photo: Rich Pedroncelli

By LAURA OLSON, Associated Press

Updated 9:04 pm, Thursday, June 27, 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Assembly passed a hard-fought overhaul of California's enterprise zone program on Thursday that was sought by Gov. Jerry Brown after he called the system wasteful and ineffective...

...AB93 passed 55-16 in the Assembly, gaining the supermajority vote needed after two initial attempts fell short. The Senate stayed in session deep into the night on Tuesday until a two-thirds majority was secured...

...The changes, backed by labor groups and some businesses, will redirect the program's $750 million in tax credits on three new economic development efforts, focusing on companies that add or retain well-paying jobs.

A sales tax exemption would be created for manufacturing or research-and-development equipment, a benefit that businesses groups have been seeking for years. Other credits would be available for hiring veterans and the long-term unemployed.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, described the current system as "a state-managed form of crony capitalism" that has not worked as intended.

"Enterprise zones rarely are the catalyst for creating new jobs," he said. "They most often just simply shift them from one part of the state to another..."

...Related changes added to a separate bill, SB90, on Thursday could allow hiring credits for employing welfare-to-work participants. The new provisions also would prevent enterprise zone tax breaks from going to strips clubs, which occurred in Sacramento County.

Further changes are needed to fix conflicting sections of AB93 that were pointed out by opponents.

SB90 cleared the Assembly Local Government Committee and awaits a vote by the full Assembly. If approved, it will go to the state Senate.

You can read this entire article online at http://www.newstimes.com/business/article/Legislature-approves-reforms-for-enterprise-zones-4628375.php?cmpid=twitter#photo-4847234

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LISTEN IN: Mike Gatto on KABC's Peter Tilden Show

Mike Gatto on the KABC Talk Radio’s Peter Tilden Show – June 4, 2013

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) joined KABC 790 Talk Radio show host Peter Tilden for a candid conversation about thinking independently as a legislator, cracking down on the influence of lobbyists and special interests, and some common-sense solutions to everyday problems faced by Southern Californians.  Tilden was particularly excited about Gatto’s efforts to open carpool lanes during off-peak hours and stop the fleecing of motorists who park at broken parking meters.

Press Enterprise Editorial: End the legal shakedowns over chemical warnings

Legislators should back a bill that would curb abusive lawsuits over warnings about harmful chemicals. Businesses would have the chance to correct violations promptly, and avoid lawsuits and fines.  Photo: The Press Enterprise

THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE - March 14, 2013; 05:47 PM

California should not confuse bounty hunting with consumer protection. Predatory legal shakedowns under Prop. 65 burden businesses while doing nothing to safeguard the public. Legislators should back a bill that would curb abuses while ensuring compliance with the law.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, has a sensible proposal that would protect the goals of Prop. 65 while combating abusive lawsuits. His AB 227 would give businesses that receive notice of a Prop. 65 violation 14 days to correct the issue — and thus avoid costly lawsuits and fines of up to $2,500 per day.

Prop. 65, approved by voters in 1986, requires businesses to notify customers about harmful chemicals in the products they purchase. The state maintains a list of more than 800 chemicals that compel the warning notices, ranging from well-known health threats such as lead and asbestos to obscure chemicals such as dibromoacetonitrile, a byproduct of drinking water disinfection. Many prescription drugs are on the list, which also includes such commonplace items as diesel exhaust, tobacco smoke and unleaded gasoline.

But the measure allows enforcement through private lawsuits, leading to a thriving practice of threatening unsuspecting businesses with fines and litigation unless they agree to a settlement. Businesses can easily run afoul of Prop. 65, given the broad range of chemicals involved. Some are common ingredients in manufactured products, while others — such as diesel exhaust — are nearly inescapable in populated areas.

The legal threats do little besides earning money for lawyers and adding to the already high cost of doing business in California. The violations usually consist of failure to post proper warnings about hazardous chemicals, rather than any immediate hazard to public health. And Prop. 65 notices are so ubiquitous that most people pay little attention, anyway.

The lack of a proper posted warning, however, can cost big money. The state attorney general’s office reports than in 2011, Prop. 65 lawsuits led to settlements totaling $16.3 million. Nearly three-quarters of that amount, almost $12 million, went to attorneys’ fees — and not fines or corrective actions.

But voters did not approve Prop. 65 with the idea of making attorneys wealthy. Allowing businesses to correct violations instead of saddling them with huge payouts advances the goal of the measure — without also harming the state’s economy.

The Legislature has a ready precedent for this approach: Last year, legislators approved a bill that protected businesses from abusive lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act, by cutting any potential damages if businesses correct violations promptly.

Likewise, AB 227 would refocus Prop. 65 enforcement on compliance, rather than on exploiting trivial violations for monetary gain. That approach serves the public’s interest in both environmental safety and economic progress. Californians’ desire to know about the presence of hazardous chemicals does not justify the bane of excessive, greedy litigation.

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This editorial can be read in its entirety at the Press Enterprise, by clicking HERE

Mike Gatto is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly. He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

LA Weekly: Hit-And-Run Loophole Lets You Walk After 3 Years; Mike Gatto Wants That Fixed

Highlights from Dennis Romero's article in LA Weekly: 

In the wake of Simone Wilson's excellent LA Weekly coverage of the city's hit-and-run crisis, including the revelation that nearly half of all vehicle collisions in town involve people who flee the scene, an L.A.-based state lawmaker wants to do something about it. 

State Assemblyman Mike Gatto... says he'll propose closing a loophole that allows hit-and-run suspects to avoid prosecution after three years. You see, ... 

... under current law, the window for prosecuting a hit-and-run suspect runs out three years after the date of the incident, Gatto spokesman Justin Hager explained to us...

Courtesy Marie Hardwick X-ray image from a hit-and-run victim in L.A. 

...Under language Gatto's office is working on, people could be prosecuted based on the time they are actually identified as suspects, giving authorities a fresh, three-year clock for possible prosecution... 

...Gatto said he identified with our follow-up story about how bicyclist Don Ward was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Echo Park in 2009 and lived to hunt down the suspect.
The bicyclist that got hit -- that's the route I take home. You put yourself in that person's shoes. 

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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You can read the entire article and more at LA Weekly by clicking HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto  

The martial art of subduing special interests

By Assemblyman Mike Gatto

Passing a major reform in Sacramento has the same odds as a novice knocking out the champ at a martial-arts competition. This is particularly true when it comes to reforming ballot-box budgeting. I’ve introduced eight measures on this topic over the past 2 1/2 years, and people often ask me why I bother. Changes to the status quo are long shots that require heavy lifting. Complex constitutional amendments are not easily explained in sound bites. And many of these bills don’t exactly ingratiate a legislator with special interests. I always respond that I am lucky enough to have been made to see the big picture, and that the big picture imparts in me a sense of martial duty.

When I first ran for state Assembly, I sought the endorsement of former Speaker Robert Hertzberg, whose encyclopedic knowledge of our government and involvement in various reform groups made him a prime candidate to teach this karate kid a thing or two. In true Mr. Miyagi fashion, he wanted some wax-on, wax-off. “You can’t have my endorsement until I know you’re prepared for the monumental task before you. And you cannot be prepared until you’ve studied the roots of California’s problems.”

Undaunted, I humbly left his office and began my quest. I read everything I could, whether he’d suggested it or not: California histories, Legislative Analyst Office reports, think-tank studies and more. After months of study, I was ready to spar. At our next meeting, I was able to thoroughly discuss the big picture with Hertzberg. The good news? I received his endorsement and won my race. The bad news? I’ve remained acutely aware of the need for reform, and troubled by the general inaction to achieve it.

Buried in the documents I studied were disturbing facts about the scope and harmful effects of ballot-box budgeting. Unfunded program spending from ballot initiatives costs California at least $8.6 billion each year, and special funds created by ballot initiatives soak up an additional $2 billion taxpayer dollars each year. This is nuts.

I believe those funds should be spent on the core functions of government: Paving roads, improving our education system, keeping courts open so lawsuits don’t drag on for years, and making sure someone promptly responds when you dial 9-1-1.  Ballot-box budgeting for special interests’ pet projects siphons resources away from these core functions.  And when government cannot perform its core functions adequately, people lose faith.  That is why I have tried mightily to reform our system.

In 2011, I introduced ACA 6, a simple measure that said an initiative could not create a new program without first identifying how it would pay for it.  Special interests shouldn’t be allowed to enshrine a new spending program without telling the voters exactly how they will find the money to fund it.  I introduced AB 65, which would print the top five financial supporters of an initiative in our ballot pamphlets.  Following the money is the easiest way to know who will benefit from a measure.  And I introduced ACA 10, which would make it harder to add junk to our constitution but ensure that reformers can still remove junk.  The federal constitution has been amended just 27 times in 225 years.  California’s has been amended 521 times in less than half that period, a major cause of the state’s dysfunction.

I am heartened to see so many newcomers echoing the calls for reform, now that Democrats have a two-thirds majority in the legislature.  Although my proposals and others are far from partisan, I, too, hope that party unity gives reformers a better chance of winning hearts and votes, even if the clear need for reform previously did not.  I also believe that Republican leaders would be wise to join reform efforts, instead of blocking them because the author happens to be a Democrat.  After all, fiscal responsibility used to be what Republicans campaigned on, and protecting our state constitution from special interests should appeal to all patriots.

Will this year be the one where the karate kids finally defeat the special-interest champs?  I will continue pushing for these important reforms this session.  If you think reforming ballot-box budgeting is important, I encourage you to write your state representatives and tell them to do something about it.  

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This opinion-editorial first appeared in the Glendale News-Press on December 22, 2012 - You can read this OpEd and more at the Glendale News-Press by clicking  HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto  

Its Back to Work in Sacramento

By Mary O’KEEFE

The new year will see a large class of freshman legislature filling the seats in Sacramento. In the November election, the Democrats attained a two-thirds majority in both the senate and the assembly and Assemblymember Mike Gatto is ready to get back to the Sacramento.

“It will be really interesting,” he said of the new legislative make up.

Gatto added the legislature would be looking into the economy, which is foremost on everyone’s mind.
“The economy is starting to pick up, but we don’t want to make the same mistakes as the past,” he said.
During his campaign, Gatto said he would like to look into the tax code. He has yet to decide what legislation he would propose but said it has to be something bold.

“I don’t want it to be something halfway,” he said.

Gatto hopes the new freshman legislature will be able to work together in a bipartisan way. He added there is a deep gully between the two parties but he is “cautiously optimistic” that they can work together.

“I do see a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said concerning the economy.

But for the economy to become stronger, things do have to change.

“We do need to change the status quo,” he said.

Change is not easy for Sacramento, especially when looking at the tax code.

“People are hesitant to embrace a change,” Gatto said. “If we did something bold like get away from income tax in California and change to a tax code [that would be] more fee-based system.”

He pointed out that Texas and Nevada do not have state income tax. Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wyoming are also without state income tax as well, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Gatto is not certain if California would ever be able to follow those states with their tax codes but said, “It would be intriguing.”

He also wants to look into other issues that are inspired by communities. The new Crescenta Valley Dog Park has made him question why other areas, like Glendale, do not have a dog park. He found that many times it comes down to an issue of insurance.

He also wants to look into proposing an insurance pool that would allow cities to work together.

New technology is another area Gatto feels is important to include not only in a new economy but also in taking advantage of technology that can help the state.

“There are balloons that have smoke sensors on them that spot forest fires instantly. I would like to do a pilot program in our district [on that],” said Gatto, whose district includes part of the Angeles National Forest.
This would be a modern day version of the fire lookout towers. The balloon would be a permanent fixture floating above the forest floor.

Education budgets and programs are other areas the legislation will have to be dealt with this year. Gatto said that budgets and programs like career technical schools at junior colleges would be a priority.

It is not unusual that California has a lot of issues that will have to be dealt with when legislators return to work after the holidays. Gatto said he is ready to face the challenges and encourages the community to contact his office with any concerns or suggestions.

Visit http://asmdc.org/members/a43 or call (818) 558-3043.

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You can read this article and more at the Crescenta Valley Weekly by clicking HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   

Motorists Reminded to Prepare for New Laws

MONDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2012  California Highway Patrol Press Release

New rules that govern the California driving public will go in effect on Jan. 1, 2013, and the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to prepare for the changes.

These rules are the product of legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2012.

“The changes to California’s traffic safety laws are designed to protect the motoring public,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new laws in advance of the new year. Adhering to the rules of the road may save your life, or the lives of your fellow motorists.”

The following are summaries of some of the new laws taking effect January 1, 2013:

Driving under the influence (AB 2020, Pan): The law no longer allows a person who has been arrested and is suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs the option of a urine test. Prior to this change, a person had the option of submitting either urine or blood to determine the drug content of their blood.

Charter-party carriers of passengers; alcoholic beverages, open containers (AB 45, Chesbro): This new law prohibits underage drinking in charter-party carriers (limos, buses, etc.) and makes the carrier and driver responsible for communicating this to their passengers. The law also requires a designee, who is at least 25 years of age, to be present whenever there are passengers who are under 21 years of age on board the vehicle and alcohol is being transported. The designee shall be responsible for ensuring the rules are followed, and the safety of the underage passengers throughout the duration of the trip.

Electronic wireless communications (AB 1536, Miller): This law allows California drivers to use hands-free technology to talk and text while driving. This will require the use of a device that is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based communication. The device is required to also be used in a voice-operated, hands-free manner to be in compliance with the law.

Financial responsibility and insurance (AB 1708, Gatto): Drivers will now have the option of providing proof of insurance and registration on an electronic device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) when it is requested by law enforcement.

High occupancy toll lanes (AB 2405, Blumenfield): This law creates the Choose Clean Cars Act, which allows cars with a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker free access to carpool lanes that are converted to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.

Autonomous vehicles (SB 1298, Padilla): This new law allows driverless cars to be operated on public roads for testing purposes, provided that each vehicle has a fully licensed and bonded operator in the driver’s seat to take control if necessary. The bill also instructs the Department of Motor Vehicles to adopt regulations that govern the licensing, bonding, testing and operation of autonomous vehicle technology.

Emergency services, seniors (SB 1047, Alquist): Similar to an AMBER Alert, the CHP would activate a “Silver Alert” upon request if a person, age 65 or older, is reported missing to a law enforcement agency and that agency determines that certain criteria is met. The criteria includes: the person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances or the law enforcement agency believes the person is in danger due to age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions; the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person; or there are other factors indicating that the person may be in peril. Finally, there is information available, if given to the public, may assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.

Driver license (AB 2189, Cedillo): This law allows a driver’s license applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a Social Security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver's license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure.

Automated traffic enforcement systems (SB 1303, Simitian): This new law establishes consistency in the operations of red-light enforcement cameras throughout the state by requiring governmental agencies to follow specified guidelines regarding intersections, signage, and the notice to appear.

License plates, obstruction or alteration (AB 2489, Hall): This new law prevents the altering and positioning of license plates from its original markings and clarifies the penalty imposed for obscuring the readability of license plates.

Child passenger restraints (AB 1452, Hill): Hospitals, clinics and birthing centers will now be required to provide and discuss contact information regarding child safety seat requirements, installation, and inspection to parents and caregivers upon discharge of a child, if the child is less than 8 years of age.

There also are two new laws related to recreational off-highway vehicles.

One (AB 1595, Cook) defines an off-highway motor vehicle to include a recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) and establishes additional requirements governing its safe operation.

The other law (AB 1266, Cook), which goes into effect July 1, 2013, prohibits a passenger in an ROV from riding in a seat location not designed and provided by the manufacturer.

It also prohibits operation of the ROV if the passenger is not seated with both feet on the floorboard and able to grab the occupant handhold with the seat belt and shoulder belt or safety harness fastened.

Additional registration fees (AB 1404, Feuer): This law authorizes three counties (Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino) to increase vehicle registration fees to help fund vehicle theft programs. Increases would be from $1 to $2 for passenger vehicles, and $2 to $4 for commercial vehicles.

Inflatable restraint systems (AB 1854, Brownley): This law makes it illegal for a person to knowingly distribute or sell a previously deployed air bag or component that will no longer meet the original equipment form, function or proper operation.

Driving under the influence, alcoholic beverage or drug (AB 2552, Torres): Although this change in the law does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2014, it distinguishes whether an individual was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ultimately this change, singling out drugs with its own subsection in the Vehicle Code, will make it easier to track the prevalence of drugged driving in California. This new law, coupled with the efforts requiring the use of Ignition Interlock Devices, will help reduce impaired driving throughout California.

These points are only a synopsis of some of the new laws adopted.  For complete information on chaptered bills enacted in 2012, refer to the Legislative Counsel Web site at www.LegInfo.ca.gov.

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Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto  

Gatto Receives Legislator of the Year Award

BY CRAIG SHERWOOD ON DECEMBER 11, 2012 

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) was presented with the Legislator of the Year Award Tuesday night from the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (CRNG), a not-for-profit group that represents renewable natural-gas producers throughout the country.  Renewable natural gas is an alternative, renewable energy, derived from the natural decomposition of waste from landfills and organic sources and is used to generate green electricity and clean transportation fuel.

“Mike Gatto is exactly the kind of legislator California needs right now,” said Harrison Clay, President of Clean Energy Renewable Fuels and founding board member of CRNG.  “He is a practical-problem solver who thinks about the long term. He is diligent, thorough and determined to do the right thing for California and its residents.”

The award was given to recognize Gatto’s work on renewable natural gas this year, including two bills he authored: AB 1900 and AB 2196. The bills helped to break down barriers to using this renewable fuel in California and helped clarify the fuel’s treatment under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards, which require all utilities in California to buy renewable energy.   The legislation was widely hailed for helping to create an entirely new clean-energy industry in California, and bringing jobs and infrastructure improvements in the process.  The new biogas industry will also help reduce California’s reliance on foreign energy sources.

Todd Campbell, former Mayor of Burbank, lauded Gatto’s achievements: “Assemblyman Gatto’s acumen to find solutions that drive job growth, promote environmental protections, cut waste, and to protect the average ratepayer was once again demonstrated.  The passage of AB 1900 was vital to removing barriers to in-state biomethane production, a clean and cost-effective renewable resource for state power generation and transportation.  Assemblyman Gatto’s efforts will save California businesses and consumers tens of millions of dollars and help us meet climate-change goals 30 years ahead of schedule.”

The award was presented at CRNG’s annual Fuel, Power and Policy Conference in San Diego.

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  You can read this article and more at Burbank and Beyond by clicking HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

California lawmakers hug, joke, put off acrimony for another day

By Jim Sanders and Torey Van Oot
jsanders@sacbee.com
Published: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 - 12:00 am | Page 3A
Last Modified: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 - 9:55 am

For one glorious day, Capitol bickering gave way to bipartisan hugging, dreaming and back-patting Monday as 39 freshmen were sworn into office with the legislative class of 2013.

No California problem seemed too huge nor any deficit insurmountable on a day set aside for merrymaking as wives, children, aides and colleagues cheered for lawmakers' reciting their oath of office.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto reflected the lighthearted nature of the festivities by standing on the Assembly floor with a bib over his shoulder, gently rocking Evangelina, his 2-month-old daughter.

In the Senate, President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg sang merrily while the Sacramento Children's Chorus performed "God Bless America."

In the Assembly, newly elected Democrat Phil Ting said from the dais that he has known openly gay Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez so long that "I can actually remember who his last girlfriend was."

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, in a joking manner, invited members to the front of the Senate chambers to take their oaths of office.

"Senators elect, please proceed to the bar – not the one up the street," Newsom quipped.

"That's tonight," responded Steinberg, lightheartedly.

Spectators Monday included Treasurer Bill Lockyer, Attorney General Kamala Harris, former Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton and various former legislators.

The Legislature this year has its largest class of freshmen since 1966, a Democratic supermajority in both houses, and it is implementing a voter-approved change permitting new legislators to serve up to 12 years in either house.

Monday also marked the first day that lawmakers could unveil new legislation.

Proposals include bills to repeal a new fire prevention fee, regulate the domestic use of drone aircraft, designate how funds from voter-passed Proposition 39 can be spent, and require public disclosure of chemicals used in fracking, a term for a process of extracting oil and natural gas.

Behind Monday's festivities on the Senate and Assembly floors, political tension lingered. When the Assembly took its first official roll call vote, on house rules for the new session, the measure passed on a nearly party-line vote: Democrats yes, Republicans no.

In a routine vote that typically amounts to unanimous acclimation, the incumbent speaker – Pérez – was re-elected to head the Assembly for another two years. Above the chorus of ayes, however, Republican Assemblyman Tim Donnelly and at least one other dissenter shouted no.


The Assembly Republican Caucus decided Monday to launch a recount challenging the last-minute Los Angeles County victory of Democrat Steve Fox over Republican Ron Smith, whose lead was overcome Friday, ending in a 145-vote defeat.

"Of course I'm disappointed, but more than that I'm shocked," Smith said Monday.

Fox said he's looking forward, adding, "I'm excited and anxious to get to work."

Steinberg openly discussed Democrats' supermajority Monday, while Pérez did not mention it, stressing bipartisanship instead.

Both legislative leaders pointed to coming challenges, from implementation of federal health care reform to improving public schools, making colleges more affordable and restoring key programs decimated by California's budget crisis.

"For those Republicans who are new to the Assembly, I want to state very clearly that your voice is welcome, your contributions are desired, and your active service is needed," Pérez said.

While Californians do not want Democrats to "burst out the gate" seeking a tax hike, Steinberg said he hopes to use Democrats' supermajority in other beneficial ways, such as by placing an overhaul of the initiative process on the 2014 ballot.

Voters don't want Democrats to "overreach," Steinberg said, but "there is an equally compelling danger. It is the danger of being so cautious, so worried about creating controversy that we fail to take advantage of unprecedented opportunities."

Chino Hills Assemblyman Curt Hagman, an Assembly GOP floor leader, adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

"At the beginning of the session, everyone is moderate, they're saying 'kumbaya, work together,' " he said. "It's not until we get into it that we'll find out if that's the case or not."

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/04/5028573/california-lawmakers-hug-joke.html#storylink=cpy

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

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California Democrats begin rein with supermajority

By DON THOMPSON, Associated Press

Updated 9:11 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democratic legislative leaders began laying out an ambitious agenda for their nearly unprecedented power as California's new Legislature was sworn into office on Monday, promising caution on new taxes but willingness to bypass Republicans as they seek to borrow billions of dollars and ask voters to make sweeping changes to the state Constitution.

"The voters do not want us to burst out of the gate to raise more taxes," said Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, who was re-elected by senators to that leadership post Monday.

But he added that "there is an equally compelling danger. It is the danger in being so cautious, so worried about creating controversy that we fail to take advantage of unprecedented opportunities. Power is, by definition, fleeting. Misuse it and you'll lose it. Fail to use it, and it withers away," he said.

Democrats won two-thirds majorities in the Assembly and Senate in last month's election for the first time in 130 years and will be working with a governor of the same political party. The supermajorities will allow them to raise taxes if they choose and to unilaterally put constitutional amendments before voters.

In quick succession, Steinberg backed proposals by two Senate Democrats to introduce constitutional amendments that would lower the vote threshold to raise taxes for school districts and some other local governments from the current two-thirds to 55 percent. The proposals by Mark Leno of San Francisco and Lois Wolk of Davis would tinker with Proposition 13, the landmark 1978 property tax initiative that increased the number of votes needed to pass tax increases.

Steinberg said Democrats are now free to rewrite an $11 billion water bond set to go before voters in 2014, rearranging its priorities and lowering the borrowing by at least $1 billion. Republicans had insisted on including the possibility of building new dams when the bipartisan package was approved by lawmakers in 2009, while Democrats generally favored alternatives such as cleaning up contaminated groundwater and increasing conservation efforts.

Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, who was also re-elected to that post Monday, said the new legislative session marks a turning point as the state recovers from the housing and economic collapse of 2008.

The state's independent legislative analyst has said the state could even see a budget surplus next year, and lawmakers will have an additional $6 billion a year after voters approved Gov. Jerry Brown's November initiative raising the state sales tax and income taxes on the wealthy.

Perez said it is time to restore California as a land of opportunity.

"And for the middle class Californians who have weathered a very difficult period in our history, we must deliver," he said. "The next generation of Californians will have their future determined, in no small part, by the actions we take over the next few years."

Perez signaled his willingness to work with Republicans, which Assemblyman Eric Linder, a newly elected Republican from Corona, applauded.

"This might provide a lot of opportunity for us," Linder said. "We can stay united. We can actually look for really good solutions to the problem and we have our place. I think it's an important one."

Sen. Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, who will remain as minority leader, noted that the tax increases voters approved with Proposition 30 are temporary, and the state could set itself up for future problems if Democrats spend the money too quickly.

"We will be setting the stage for our own fiscal cliff," Huff said. "... Now is not the time to go on a spending spree."

Steinberg proposed splitting new revenue in roughly equal portions to retire debt, build a rainy day fund and restore cuts to social and education programs.

And he said Democrats should ask voters in 2014 to consider changing an initiative process that critics say has been hijacked by wealthy individuals or special interests.

Monday's events were mostly ceremonial before the Legislature adjourned for the holidays.

Nearly half the 80 Assembly members are new to the Legislature. In the three races that officials consider too close to be called, the current front-runners were sworn in, including in Assembly District 36, which spans parts of Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Democrat Steve Fox was sworn in Monday, but Republican Ron Smith has said he will seek a recount.

Perez said the oath of office would be rescinded if the results were overturned by the final vote tally.

For the first time, new lawmakers will be able to serve 12 years in either the Assembly or the Senate, or a combination of both. Voters approved that change from previous term limits, which limited legislators to eight years in the Senate and six in the Assembly.

Lawmakers, along with California's statewide officeholders, also are working for less pay starting Monday. The California Citizens Compensation Commission voted in May to reduce their salaries by 5 percent.

Even with the reduction, California lawmakers remain the nation's highest paid with a base salary of $90,525 a year. Unlike lawmakers in some other states, they do not receive pensions.

The salaries for the Assembly and Senate leaders will be cut to $104,105.

"I think it kind of is punitive, but we have to do a better job of showing that we have the state's interests at heart and not our own interests, and when we do that I think they (commissioners) will respond accordingly," Huff said in response to the pay cut.

The governor's $174,000 salary will drop to about $165,000. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom's $130,000 salary will fall to about $124,000, and Attorney General Kamala Harris will be paid less than $144,000, down from about $151,000.

Commissioners justified the action by pointing to years of state budget deficits. The independent panel previously reduced salaries for California's statewide officeholders and its 120 legislators by 18 percent in 2009.

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Associated Press writer Judy Lin contributed to this story.

Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/California-Democrats-begin-rein-with-supermajority-4086059.php

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

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[Mike Gatto] Post-Election a time for Healing and Unity

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a vigil for victims of domestic violence. Taking place only ten days before the election, my week had been filled with divisive campaign rhetoric. The vigil on the other hand was filled with neighbors setting aside political differences to show support for one-another and help each other succeed.

I believe that the vast majority of people, regardless of political affiliation, or background, want to see their neighbors and their country succeed. Despite the rhetoric to the contrary, our electoral process has never been about our desire to succeed, it is about how that success is best realized.

But now that the ballots have been counted, the final decision we must make is to set aside our differences and unite as a community.  Division does not end simply because the polls close on Election Day. Division ends when we choose to recognize and respect the humanity and dignity of all people.  After all, we are united in the government we share.

We are certainly capable of making the decision to unite. I see it in my everyday life, in situations as simple as parents who look out for a neighbor’s child or as complicated as firefighters who risk their lives with no regard for the political affiliation of the person whose house is burning.

I even saw it in our Presidential candidates, who after the election spoke of the need to come together as a country for the betterment of all. This type of unity should hold a mirror to us all that even when times are tough and money is scarce, when we work together, we can make our communities better for everyone.

As the political season comes to a close, I am happy to see President Obama reelected.  As we enter the holiday season, it is time for us to come together as neighbors, and heal as a country.  I also invite you to share with me additional ideas of how State government can unite with you and your neighbors to make our communities better for everyone.  Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for the New Year.

You can read this article and more in the Los Feliz Ledger by clicking HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and portions of Atwater Village along with the cities of Burbank and Glendale and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, North Hollywood, and Van Nuys.  His web site is asm.ca.gov/gatto or e-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call him at (818) 558-3043.

Liu and Gatto look to supermajority

Democrats will have more sway in Sacramento after election, 

but neither incumbent expects absolute power

By Mark Kellam
November 9, 2012 | 6:46 p.m.

With Democrats securing a supermajority in both state houses, Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) and state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) may find it easier to push their agendas through to the governor’s desk, but they both said they don’t think the party will use the rare power carte blanche to approve tax increases.

Still, it doesn’t mean the lawmakers won’t have an easier time in Sacramento, especially in terms of pushing their respective legislative agendas.

Jerry Brown “That doesn’t mean the governor will sign them,” Liu said. “He’s pretty independent about being a Democrat, so to speak.”

Even so, with a supermajority, Democratic lawmakers can override Gov. Jerry Brown’s vetoes — a power that comes with great responsibility and expectations, Gatto said.

“Expectations can very quickly turn into disappointments,” he said.

Both lawmakers said Democrats need to focus on key issues such as tax reform, job creation and education.

Liu also said legislators should review the initiative process, something Gatto has stressed in the past.

She pointed to several propositions on Tuesday’s ballot that were funded by individuals and groups with deep pockets, but didn’t necessarily have the public’s best interest at heart.

But for all the hubbub over achieving the supermajority, Gatto said it’s a thin one, which will still have a dampening effect.


“The difference between 52 and 54 [seats] is not that great,” he said, referring to the number of Democrats in the Assembly last session compared to how many there are now.

For starters, Gatto, who is the new chairman of the powerful Assembly Appropriations Committee, said he doesn’t think the two-thirds majority will necessarily translate into the same majority on the committee, which handles all legislation involving state funds.

And while lawmakers have clashed in the past when voting on a state budget, Liu said they didn’t squabble as much last year. That’s a trend she expects to continue with a supermajority.

“It’s much more fun for the news folks to bicker and show off,” she said. But “it’s less about show and more about product.”

The benefits of a two-thirds majority will likely come into play most often with procedural issues, Gatto said. For example, if a bill introduced by a Democratic legislator doesn’t meet a deadline as it winds through the Legislature, it may be waived through via the supermajority.

And both legislators reiterated pledges issued during the week among their Democratic colleagues that attempts at bipartisanship would not be abandoned — even if they hold the upper hand.

“[Republicans] still need to be brought in and be part of the solution,” Liu said.

“Within reason, there’s no monopoly on good ideas,” Gatto said. “Good ideas can come from any source.”

Sacramento Bee Analysis: Gatto 2nd Most Independent Democratic Member of Assembly

A thorough data analysis conducted by the Sacramento Bee has concluded that Assemblyman Mike Gatto is the second-most independent thinking democratic legislator in the entire California State Assembly.  Read the story below.

See most, least independent state legislators

By Phillip Reese
preese@sacbee.com

Published: Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 - 5:16 pm

Last Modified: Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 - 10:58 am

Given more than 3,000 chances, a dozen state legislators voted against the majority of their party fewer than 10 times during the 2011-2012 legislative session.

None of the state's 120 legislators voted against the majority of their party on the Senate or Assembly floor more than 10 percent of the time, according to a Bee review of state voting records.

Republicans broke party ranks more often than Democrats, though they had less to lose. Even if all Republicans stand against a bill, it will still pass if Democrats stand united, since Democrats are in the majority. If enough Democrats vote against party lines, on the other hand, a bill can fail, given significant Republican opposition.

These charts show the legislators, by party, who exercised the most party loyalty and independence during the last legislative session. 

For a complete list of Legislators and their party line votes, Click HERE

Read this article and more in the Sacramento Bee by clicking HERE

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Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silver Lake.  E-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.

Website of Assemblyman Mike Gatto: www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/26/4941626/see-most-least-independent-state.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#mi_rss=Capitol%20and%20California#storylink=cpy