First Opnely Gay Lawmaker Gets Sworn in As Speaker of the California State Assembly.

John Perez (D-Los Angles) was sworn in today as the first speaker of the California House who is openly gay. During his acceptance speech, he reached out to the minority Republican Party representatives for a new age of bi-partnership.

Perez called this is the year of reform, a year when the legislature operates openly instead of writing a budget behind closed doors and the minority Republicans will be working partners with the Democrats to get a budget passed.

“Let me be clear, this is true for my Republican colleagues as well as for Democrats: I am your Speaker too. Your ideas deserve to be heard and considered, as, do the ideas of the majority. And to my friends in the Minority party, believe me when I tell you, I know what it's like to be a minority,” Perez said.

“In keeping with my commitment to be a full partner to all members, and because I understand that actions speak louder than words, I want you to know that when I name the new committee leadership in the next few days, I will be appointing two Republicans to serve as Committee Chairs.”

Hearings for the budget will be held around the state, close to the people, offering everyone an opportunity to give their opinion on what will likely be more cuts.

“We w ill broadcast our budget hearings and deliberations on the web and where possible on TV. Posting information on the Internet will make it easy for Californians to view the budget, see our proposals for themselves and evaluate the impact on their lives,” Perez said.
Starting today, he already changed the rules in the State House.

He banned any text messages from lobbyists to representatives while on the floor, saying that all lawmakers’ attention should be focused on the work of the people.

“This is a huge challenge, a complex challenge, an historic challenge but we are equal to the task. So let's roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Perez said.

Growing up in the working class communities of El Sereno and Highland Park, John’s parents taught him the value of hard work and community service. With over 15 years working within the labor movement, John has channeled these values into fighting to create jobs, expand healthcare and protect workers’ rights.

In addition to his work in the labor movement, John serves as an elected member of the Democratic National Committee. John has served as a board member for the California League of Conservation Voters, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Latino Coalition against AIDS, the California Center for Regional Leadership, and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.

“I extend my utmost congratulations to John Pérez on his ascension to Speaker of the California State Assembly.  Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Speaker Pérez who are committed to helping our children, working families and the disadvantaged, and who will fight to ensure our state’s safety net and education are protected,” said Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo)

“With John becoming the first openly gay Speaker, another major barrier is broken and as a result, all children can have greater confidence that they too can succeed in their endeavors and aspire to public service.  It is with great honor that I serve in the same Legislature as Speaker Pérez and I look forward to working with him in the months ahead,” Yee said.

Submitted by Troy on Mon, 03/01/2010 - 6:41pm.

• Other