SACRAMENTO – Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) was selected as the 2012 Assembly Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council, in recognition for his work in the legislature fighting to support California veterans and their families.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as the California State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America’s Assembly Legislator of the Year,” said Speaker Pérez. “One of our most basic obligations as citizens is to ensure that we take care of those men and women who have served our nation in the military, and my colleagues and I have kept that commitment through legislation to improve coordination of veterans services and through using savings from the Assembly’s own budget to provide funding for job training and placement programs for veterans. I am deeply grateful to the Vietnam Veterans of America for this award, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to stand up for California’s veterans. ”

Speaker Pérez announced in April Assembly funding for the National Guard’s “Work for Warriors” program, which helps place National Guard members with jobs. He also authored AB557, which served as the basis for Governor Jerry Brown’s Executive Order establishing the California Interagency Council on Veterans to help coordinate the services provided to California veterans. Additionally, the Assembly is continuing its financial support for the CalVet Connect program, which will aid in veteran outreach in all levels of government and increases California veterans access to benefits.

The Speaker will be presented with the award at the VVA-CSC’s Annual Capitol Legislative Day in the Spring of 2013.

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408

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