Posted on 05/14/2008 7:48:40 AM PDT by EagleUSA
Los Angeles Democrat Karen Bass was sworn in Tuesday as speaker of the California Assembly, the first black woman to lead either house of the state Legislature.
Bass told her fellow lawmakers and the California political and cultural figures who attended the ceremony that she feels the weight of history on her shoulders.
"If we could only harness the power of our common humanity, I don't think there's anything we couldn't do for the people of this state," she said.
The 54-year-old becomes the 67th speaker, succeeding fellow Los Angeles Democrat Fabian Nunez. He is relinquishing the post because he will be termed out of office at the end of the year, after leading an unsuccessful ballot drive in February to extend lawmakers' terms.
Former Assembly speakers Cruz Bustamante, Herb Wesson, Antonio Villaraigosa, Willie Brown and Robert Monagan attended the ceremony, as did Oscar-nominated actress Alfre Woodard and soul singer Cuba Gooding Sr.
Bass takes over the 80-member house as lawmakers are turning their attention to the state budget. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will release his revised spending plan for the coming fiscal year on Wednesday and has estimated a deficit as high as $20 billion.
A former community activist, Bass will be one of the so-called "Big Five" who try to broker agreements on the budget and other major policy issues.
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The budget negotiations will be the first test for Bass. Democrats and Republicans are far apart about how to solve the deficit before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
Democrats have said taxes must be raised to pay for critical state services, while Republicans have refused to support tax hikes. In the Assembly, Bass needs the support of at least six Republicans to pass a budget, which requires a two-thirds majority.
(Excerpt) Read more at fresnobee.com ...
How many years have democrats ruled california and this is all we get lip service,ode to the california voter.
More evidence that this is a racist country. Save us, Obamas!
Note: The format of this statement has been changed. It has been altered to fit the truth.
I think the communists who run everything here have done quite enough for the people of this state. I for one wish they would stop.
“I don’t think there’s anything we couldn’t do for the people of this state,” she said.
Why does the State of California have to do everything for the people of the State? Doesn’t sound like a believer in limited government.
“If we could only harness the power of our common humanity...”
Maybe we could use it to run our cars.
Now I forget his name, but wasn’t there a previous black assembly leader in California, who happened not also to be a woman? As I recall, he was one of the biggest crooks ever to run things in California.
Lemme guess - she’s a far left socialist nutbag?
Now I forget his name, but wasn’t there a previous black assembly leader in California....
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Willie Brown — arch crook, sleaze-bag, liar, liberal pol, and is still around taking money from the public. One of his outstanding accomplishments was how a guy (at that time) making $60,000 a year, could afford a new Jaguar sports car every year, and a wardrobe to match. Let me guess how he did it....
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