(Sacramento) – Yesterday the Assembly Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to support Assemblymember John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) to serve as the next Speaker of the State Assembly. Today Assemblymember Pérez spoke with the media about his selection by the Caucus to follow Karen Bass as Speaker of the California State Assembly. A floor vote is expected when the Assembly reconvenes in January. Assemblymember Pérez said, “I am grateful and humbled by the confidence of my colleagues who have asked me to shoulder the awesome responsibilities of helping guide California through these stormy times. My first, last and only consideration is to serve the People of California as we address the critical financial and structural issues facing our State.”

(Sacramento) – Yesterday the Assembly Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to support Assemblymember John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) to serve as the next Speaker of the State Assembly. Today Assemblymember Pérez spoke with the media about his selection by the Caucus to follow Karen Bass as Speaker of the California State Assembly. A floor vote is expected when the Assembly reconvenes in January.

At this morning’s news conference Assemblymember Pérez began with the following statement:

Good morning and thank you all for being here today.

I am honored and humbled to have received the unanimous endorsement of the Democratic Caucus to be the next Speaker of the California State Assembly.

Exactly one year ago last week, I was sworn in as the Assemblymember representing the people of the 46th District. My service began in a historic year where the Legislature was called upon to make some very difficult choices forced upon us by the global financial crisis.

I had intended to continue my service in a capacity other than Speaker, but ultimately decided to run after a significant number of my colleagues asked me to accept their draft for Speaker. California continues to face enormous challenges, and I believe that any Californian who is called to service must answer that call with enthusiasm and dedication worthy of our state.

I am grateful and humbled by the confidence of my colleagues who have asked me to shoulder the awesome responsibilities of helping guide California through these stormy times. My first, last and only consideration is to serve the People of California as we address the critical financial and structural issues facing our State.

Obviously the budget is going to be the major priority for this year, as we’re staring yet another 20 billion dollar deficit in the face. But we can’t solve the budget crisis without addressing the serious structural issues putting a stranglehold on California government. Reform needs to be central to any long term recovery, and I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues in implementing those reforms.

Assemblymember Pérez’s website: www.asm.ca.gov/jperez

Here are links to audio of Assemblymember Pérez:

Assemblymember Pérez’s opening statement to the media. (1:46)

Assemblymember Pérez talks about the need to reform California’s government. (:54)

Assemblymember Pérez says the Race to the Top legislation approved by the Assembly yesterday puts California in the best position to receive federal education funding. (:44)

Assemblymember Pérez says dealing with the state’s budget woes will require an open, honest conversation where every option is on the table. (:37)

Assemblymember Pérez talks about how he got started in politics and what experience he brings to the office. (1:33)

Audio of entire news conference. (18:07)

SACRAMENTO – Today the Assembly Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to support Assemblymember John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) to serve as the next Speaker. A floor vote is expected when the Assembly reconvenes in January. After the caucus vote Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement:

“The Assembly Democratic caucus has made me proud many times in the past 18 months and today is one of those times. First by the high caliber of the Speaker candidates we had, especially the final two, John Pérez and Kevin de León, and second by the strength our caucus has shown in coming together and uniting behind one of those candidates, the next Speaker of the Assembly, John Pérez. Under his leadership and the continued leadership of Assemblymember De León and his supporters I look forward to another year of being made proud by my colleagues as we work to improve the quality of life for the people of California.”

Assemblymember John A. Pérez thanked his Assembly colleagues for the honor:

“I want to thank the Members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus for the faith they have placed in me. It is a humbling privilege. I will work every day to justify that faith and to earn the enormous honor of having been drafted to serve as Speaker. The other candidates for Speaker, especially Assemblymember Kevin de León, have all shown great leadership for the Assembly and for this state and they have my great respect. As Speaker, I will look forward to working with a united Democratic caucus as we continue tackling our number one priority—helping the state recover from the recession and helping the California families who have been hit so hard by it.”

Assemblymember Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) added:

“Today, I was proud to stand and nominate my friend and colleague John Pérez to serve as Speaker of the California Assembly. I did so deeply thankful for the strong support and encouragement I have received from members of our caucus, and also mindful of the example of one of the great inspirations of my life and many others--Rosa Parks. Mrs. Parks showed us you didn’t have to have a particular office or title to effect great change. I am proud to be a member of the California State Assembly and I will continue working hard, with my colleagues and with Speaker Pérez, to bring about real change for the people of my district and all the people of California.”

Contact: Shannon Murphy (916) 319-2408