SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement on Governor Brown’s signing of key legislation that will help make the jobs and economic and environmental benefits from High Speed Rail a reality in California:

“When the Assembly passed this legislation to approve funding for the initial construction of high speed rail in our state, we did so in the firm belief that the best days of California can still be ahead of us. Governor Brown’s signature on this legislation adds momentum that will advance not only High Speed Rail, but also other badly needed projects that will create jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity throughout our state.  I salute the visionary leadership of President Obama and Secretary LaHood on High Speed Rail, and I appreciate the negotiations between the Legislature and the Governor that will help ensure a more efficient and cost-effective process with appropriate oversight every step of the way.”

Speaker Pérez is currently leading a bipartisan Assembly delegation to Washington, D.C., which included a meeting Tuesday with Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood regarding High Speed Rail, along with the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, the development of a National Freight Program, and state legislation to implement the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill.

Assembly Democrats voted unanimously to approve legislation authorizing the first leg of construction on July 5th.

See attached for a photo of Speaker Pérez and the bipartisan Assembly delegation with Secretary LaHood. For a high resolution photo, please contact Elizabeth Stitt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408

Website of Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker