June, 2012 | Issue 06

From the desk of mike morrell

What Will California's Budget Look Like?

Fellow Citizen,

Last week, the Legislature voted on a budget that very few people have seen, and even fewer have had a role in the negotiations.

A multi-billion dollar budget was decided upon, with no concern that members of this Legislature had about an hour and a half to review the budget to make an informed and thoughtful decision.

On Wednesday, I sat in our budget hearing and was told that instead of voting on the budget and the proposed spending items for our state, we would just have an informational hearing on the concepts that would be included in the budget.

This is unacceptable.

That is why for the last two years I have been fighting for budget transparency. This year, AB 1437 was introduced and would have required the budget to be in print and available to the public for 72 hours before the Legislature could take a vote. Unfortunately, my colleagues from across the aisle do not agree with this policy.

Rest assured, I will continue to work with you to bring transparency to our government. We will hold our government accountable. This is our money, not Sacramento's!

I'll keep you posted.

California Facts and Stats

Each year the state budget must be passed by the Legislature by June 15th.

Since 1945, spending has out-paced revenues 29 times.

Since 1977, only 3 budgets have been passed on time (on or before the June 15th deadline).

THIS YEAR:
California faces about a $9 billion deficit.

Revenues are growing this year - by about $4.9 Billion.

Californian's face possible tax increases of $8.5 Billion.

Community Spotlight - Loma Linda

Loma Linda University Drayson Aquatic Center helps swimming hopefuls reach their Olympic dreams

This story was published by the Highland Community News on Tuesday, June 12th. Please click here to see the original online story.

Some of the fastest swimmers in the world are churning the water at Loma Linda University Drayson Aquatic Center in hopes of fulfilling their dream of competing at the 2012 London Olympics.

Already, at least one swimmer will represent his country at the Olympics, and at least two others are hoping to make the team for their respective countries. The swimmers, all members of the Redlands Swim Team, are getting closer to reaching their goal with help from plenty of swim time at the LLU Drayson Aquatic Center.

"Anytime I'm in the pool, it's just beneficial for my training," said Joey Hale, 22, of Redlands. He is gearing up for the Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska at the end of the month in hopes of competing for Team USA in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events.

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Redlands resident Joey Hale, 22, hopes to compete in the 2012 London Olympics and prepares for his chance by logging in plenty of swim time at Loma Linda University Drayson Aquatic Center.

Community Spotlight - Redlands

Redlands Man Awarded Bronze Star

This story is authored by Kristen Hwang and was published in the San Bernardino Sun. Please click here to see the original online story.

A Redlands native and World War II veteran who was a member of the most decorated U.S. military unit in history now holds a Bronze Medal.

George Kanatani, 94, received the honor on June 9 for his service in World War II.

The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award.

"It means the world to my father, and it's so well deserved," said his daughter, Alison Dickerson.

Kanatani served in the all-Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, whose wartime motto was "go for broke."

He said that the motto was chosen because of the prejudice his unit faced, even in the military.

"We were going out to prove our loyalty to America and to give our best to protect the country," Kanatani said.

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California Budget Fact Check

Are We Cutting $8 Billion in Spending?

June 15th was the constitutional deadline to adopt the 2012-13 budget. Democratic leaders declared they will meet the deadline. As the budget moved through the process, Democrats argued that their majority vote budget is balanced with $8.5 billion in tax increases and $8 billion in cuts. The California Budget Fact Check analysis found that:

Less than $1.1 billion of the items characterized as "cuts" are true permanent spending reductions. Almost $400 million of the permanent cuts are a continuation of policies from last year's spending level which means less than $700 million are new permanent cuts. The majority of the so-called "cuts" are funding shifts, deferrals and the delays in program increases.

Please click here to continue reading "Are we cutting $8 Billion in Spending?"

mEET OUR INTERN

Maran McLeod

My name is Maran McLeod, and I am a local Californian born and raised in the Hollywood area. I am blessed with in a close-knit family whose core Christian values, conservative perspective, and love of education have greatly influenced my life. Several key experiences have brought me to today.

Our family's involvement at Grace Community Church and my personal growth as a Christian have cemented my sense of purpose in life. One of the most memorable events of from high school was reading my testimony before the church congregation and being baptized as confirmation of my faith in Christ.

Also, essential to my growth as a citizen and the development of my individual values has been a classical education. Good education starts with good books; good ideas. In addition to a home saturated with Scripture, I can remember my father reading aloud books like the Hobbit when I was a child. From the time we were small, my mother would inform my brothers and me of current political events and impress on us the seriousness of their impact.

As a child and teenager I have learned to recognize beauty and the benefit of hard work through my classical ballet training, choral instruction, and piano lessons. Over summer vacations, I attended formative seminars like Patrick Henry Debate Camp and Young America's Foundation National High School Leadership Conference. Participating in on-stage events and speaking opportunities has tested my courage and ability to think on my feet.

This education has continued throughout high school and college; now enjoying the works of the greats like Aristotle, Plato, Locke, Lewis, and Dostoevsky, supplementing my perception of the "way things are" and "ought to be" with clear argumentation and historical events.

My college, Hillsdale, is committed to its purpose of "Pursuing Truth and Defending Liberty." In study at school, I pursue truth. As for defending liberty and living out that truth, I seek to fulfill my role by becoming a more involved citizen. For this reason, I wanted to intern with Assemblyman Mike Morrell's office this summer, so that I might better understand our California government, aiding its efficiency and ability to serve.

My parents encouragement led me to excel in all areas of life allowing for valuable opportunities and experiences.

Free Community Event

First Annual Upland City Resource Conference for Seniors and Their Families

WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2012 @ 9am - 12:00pm

WHERE: George M. Gibson Senior Center
250 North 3rd Ave.
Upland, CA 91785

Speakers: Assemblyman Mike Morrell, Upland Mayor Ray Musser, California Association of Health Services at Home, County Offices of Veteran's Affairs Counselor Dorene Hartley, and Upland Police Department Officer Carolynn Ludick.

RSVP: to Christina Gaudy at christina@angelcaregiving.com or (909) 982-4646.

Community spotlight - rancho cucamonga

Dance Gallery of Rancho Cucamonga Gearing Up for Two Performances at Disneyland in Paris

This story was authored by Canan Tasci and was originally published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Please click here to see the original online story.

Students of the Dance Gallery in Rancho Cucamonga mare gearing up for one special performance at Disneyland - in Paris.

The Gallery has been selected to perform as part of the the Disney Magic Music days program on June 23 in France.

Disney Paris has approved two shows for The Dance Gallery team in the same day, which has never been done before by any group internationally or in the United States since the opening of the park.

The group will perform two 30-minute shows and be guests for the day at the park. Performances will include tap, jazz, ballet and beginner gym.

"That's a nice honor, and it's based on our kids' work," said Kay Bast, director of The Dance Gallery.

Bast has 55 years of experience under her belt, which is what has helped put the Gallery on the map.

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