Sacramento - Today, Governor Jerry Brown presented the 2012 State of the State Address before a joint session of the Legislature.
The speech highlighted the hard choices and cuts necessary for the state to balance the books, while still protecting the services, schools, and public safety most needed by working families.
"With the loss of redevelopment we are on the lookout for new options to spur economic growth," said Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo. "The budget's not just about numbers. It's about keeping teachers in the classroom, making sure our communities have cops and firefighters to keep us safe, but most importantly putting Californians back to work."
Alejo invited two guests to the Assembly chambers during the State of the State: Eduardo Montesino, Mayor of Watsonville, and Robert Reyes, a constituent from Salinas.
Watsonville is struggling financially due in large part to the loss of redevelopment funding and the potential loss of its Enterprise Zone. Montesino, who was elected by the city council to be mayor just last November, has spoken publicly about redevelopment's importance to the city's economic recovery. The Watsonville Enterprise Zone, which is set to expire in April, is credited with bringing many businesses and good jobs to move to and stay in Watsonville. The city cannot afford to lose another economic development tool.
"I agree with Governor Brown that our education system should be on the forefront of our local government needs," said Montesino. "I've seen what the cutbacks in recent years mean to students, teachers, and parents. I'll be watching the budget discussion closely to make sure Assemblymember Alejo knows what the proposals mean to those of us at the local level."
Reyes is a Salinas mortgage and real estate broker whose company has been impacted economically due to the slow housing market. Bringing jobs to the Salinas Valley will have a multiplier effect to spur the economy and help his business.
"I was happy to hear about the Governor's new office of business development called GO-BIZ," said Reyes. "It's very important to me and other business owners that our Chief Executive has advisors with real business experience in his office. I'm hopeful that it translates into real economic development measures."
Luis Alejo represents the 28th District in the California State Assembly, which consists of San Benito County, the Salinas Valley, North Monterey County, South Santa Clara County and the city of Watsonville.
Contact: Sasha Horwitz, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (916) 319-2028
