As we approach the anniversary of my inauguration, I am very proud of the important progress we have made together this year. When I took the oath of office, California was in a fiscal crisis that was killing jobs and sending business out of state. The government was spending the people’s tax dollars like it was monopoly money, driving us deeper and deeper into debt. The state was wasting millions of dollars fighting a lawsuit that alleged, rightfully, that some California students weren’t getting a quality education.
We have done much to get California back on the path to prosperity in the last twelve months.
Jobs and the Economy
In March, Californians overwhelmingly approved Propositions 57 and 58, requiring a balanced budget and providing for a one-time bond to refinance our debt. In April, I signed a workers’ compensation reform bill that fixes a burdensome system which was sending jobs to other states. This June, I forged compacts with sovereign Indian tribes to ensure that California gets its fair share of billions of dollars of gaming revenues while protecting local communities and the environment. And in July, California got a budget that moves it away from chronic deficits and toward structural balance – without raising taxes.
As a result of these positive changes, we have seen California’s credit rating upgraded and the addition of more than 100,000 new jobs. We are sending a clear signal to the world that California is open for business again and already, we are seeing improvement.
Education
In a tough budget year, my priority was to ensure that all students have access to the quality education they need to succeed and achieve. The budget I signed increased per pupil spending in our K-12 classrooms and in order to stabilize funding at our public colleges and universities, I struck agreements with higher education leaders so that families can better plan for their children’s future.
By the time I took office, the state had already spent tens of millions of dollars fighting what became known as the Williams lawsuit. This suit alleged that many of California’s students were not getting a quality education in a safe and healthy environment. To me, it was clear that those funds would be much better spent in our classrooms, rather than on lawyers. I made sure that we settled the suit as soon as we could and signed bills that provide badly needed funds for low-performing schools so they can give their students the learning materials, quality teachers and clean facilities they deserve.
Environment and Resources
California is world-renown for its beautiful environment and diverse natural resources. This year, we have done much to preserve and protect its beauty. In April, I created the Hydrogen Highway to support the transition to clean hydrogen-fueled transportation which will improve our air quality. I signed legislation that allows hybrid cars to use High Occupancy Vehicle lanes to encourage the use of cleaner vehicles. And I introduced a plan to put solar systems into one million homes which the legislature agreed to fund with a
down-payment of $60 million.
In September, I signed legislation creating the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. At 25 million acres, it will be our largest. It is home to more than 65 percent of our bird and mammal species and produces 65 percent of the state’s water supply for residential and agricultural uses. With this conservancy, we have created a rich natural legacy for generations of Californians to come.
Safe-guarding our oceans now is critical. In October, I introduced our Oceans Action Plan with the goal of protecting marine life, making our water cleaner and supporting ocean-dependant economy. I also signed legislation that prohibits cruise ships from discharging grey water within three miles of California shores. This will improve ocean water quality and preserve fragile coastal ecosystems.
Government Reform
Californians deserve a government that is efficient and addresses their needs swiftly and competently. I promised that I would take a new look at government and evaluate the way it works. The California Performance Review examined our government top to bottom and made recommendations on how it can improve. Then, we held public hearings throughout the state to give the people a chance to ask questions, give their opinions and suggest even more ways to streamline the system. I feel confident that as we compile the results, we will be able to make many positive changes that will lower our costs and better meet the people’s needs.
For years, the state has been able to raid the treasuries of local communities to
support their spending habits. These are funds communities need to keep their streets safe, fund hospitals, and keep firefighters on call. Californians were tired of seeing the state come in year after year and empty their coffers. This fall, they passed Proposition 1A to protect funding for important local government services.
To encourage volunteerism, I created the California Service Corps chaired by my wife, Maria. The Service Corps will serve as our lead agency for community service and volunteerism. I also made it easier for volunteers who want to give something to California and expect nothing in return. I signed a bill that allows Californians to assist on many important public works projects without requiring they be paid the prevailing wage.
Public Safety
California continued its strong momentum for public safety by defeating Proposition 66, which could have released thousands of dangerous criminals onto the streets. The people also joined with me to pass Proposition 69, to require the collection of DNA samples from all accused and convicted felons in our state.
We worked hard to fix a prison system that lacked financial and behavioral accountability when I took office. Much still remains to be done but we have made changes designed to hold the system accountable to the people while rehabilitating our prisoners so they do not revert to crime. I instituted a zero tolerance policy against the “Code of Silence” in our prisons. Prison employees who fail to cooperate with an investigation or fail to report wrong-doing
will be subject to disciplinary action from now on.
Military Support
Today, thousands of Californians are serving on the front lines in the War on Terror. It is important to not only support them but also the families they leave behind to defend our country.
My wife Maria this year launched the Military Families Initiative which calls on organizations, businesses, community groups, schools and faith-based groups to volunteer their time on behalf of military families. And to help keep California’s military bases open, I have nearly tripled the funding for the office spearheading our base retention efforts. I have also brought our Congressional delegation together on this issue so that we present a united front in Washington.
During my first year in office, we have faced many challenges and have achieved great progress. We have taken big steps forward to create opportunities for all Californians to succeed. Of course there is still more do. However, I am confident that working together, California will once again be that Golden Dream by the Sea.
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger