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Assembymember Ira Ruskin Speaks to REALTORS® about California Budget Woes Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Assemblymember Ira Ruskin is flanked by Larry Laidlaw and Los Gatos/Saratoga District Chair Tim Alston (far right). Assemblymember Ira Ruskin wants changes in the state’s budget process and warned unless this happens, California’s budget gridlock will continue year after year. Ruskin represents California District 21, which now encompasses all or part of 13 cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, including San Carlos, Redwood City, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, the Almaden Valley of San Jose and Stanford University. Speaking at a Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®’ tour meeting in Los Gatos this month, Ruskin described the legislature’s attempts to come to an agreement on a budget this year as “the most frustrating, difficult and challenging by far. It’s been a tough budget year.” Ruskin described the budget process to the Realtors, and blamed the inability of legislators to pass a budget on time year after year, on an outmoded tax system and ballot box budgeting with initiatives that can’t pay for themselves. “If we put money in one place, where will it come from?” he asked. He pointed to the age-old problem of the public sector wanting services and programs, yet not willing to cut other programs to pay for them. Most of all, Ruskin blamed California’s budget delays on the California State Constitution, which requires passage of the budget by a two-thirds majority of the legislature. Ruskin said the requirement is unrealistic, and it is what ultimately leads to delays in passage and “a very convoluted process.” Ruskin noted even at the federal level, Congress passes its budget with just a simple majority vote. For over 20 years California’s legislature has missed its June 30 deadline for a signed budget 13 times. Ruskin said California is one of just three states in the nation - Rhode Island and Arkansas are the other states - which requires 66 percent of the legislature to pass its budget. This needs to be changed, he said, as year after year the stalemate causes hardship for hospitals, medical transport services, nursing homes, community colleges. “It’s a poor way to run a government,” Ruskin stated. “It’s a theory that doesn’t work in reality.” The California assemblyman also announced a statewide system in conjunction with community colleges will soon make free downloading of copyright expired public school textbooks available to students. This method would help reduce college textbook expenses for students. The REALTORS® in turn broached the subject of state sponsorship of school textbooks, or the underwriting of textbooks by companies to offset costs. Ruskin said he would look into the suggestions. Ruskin said he is always open to constituents’ suggestions and concerns regarding state government and policies. He introduced Richelle Noroyan, director of Ruskin’s district office at 5050 El Camino Real, Suite 117 in Los Altos. He invites constituents to contact Noroyan at (650) 691-2121 or e-mail richelle.noroyan@asm.ca.gov, about their concerns. The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers. For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (408) 200-0109. |
