header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
December 22
1905 - County buys property to build Newhall Jail (now next to city's Old Town Newhall Library) [story]
Old Newhall Jail


Commentary by Assemblyman Scott Wilk
| Monday, Sep 21, 2015

scottwilk_mug2013Above the dais in the Assembly chambers is the Latin saying, “Legislatorum Est Justas Leges Condere,” which translates into, “It is the duty of the legislators to make just laws.”

While it’s important that the Legislature pass just laws, it’s just as important that those decisions are made following the state constitution and the rules of the house.

In June, after the Legislature passed and Gov. Jerry Brown signed a record-setting $115 billion general-fund budget, the governor called a special session to address health care and transportation.

This is troubling in itself, because these issues should have been tackled during the regular session when the state received $1.3 billion over revenue projections. But Brown and the majority party chose to spend money on other priorities such as free health care to the children of illegal immigrants.

The state constitution restricts special sessions to the subject matter outlined in the governor’s proclamation.

The health care special session is intended to address funding a $1.1 billion shortfall for Medi-Cal, as well as challenges for in-home supportive services and the developmentally disabled.

The transportation special session is intended to address the lack of funding required to fix California’s crumbling roads and highways.

Brown in his February “State of the State” address acknowledged that California is $59 billion in arrears as it pertains to road and bridge maintenance and construction.

Each of these are serious challenges that require the Legislature’s undivided attention and bipartisan solutions. Unfortunately, the special sessions have been abused by some of my colleagues and used as an opportunity to push forward proposals that have nothing to do with the intended purpose of either special session.

According to the governor’s June 16 Second Extraordinary Session Proclamation (health care special session), the session was called to “consider and act upon legislation necessary to enact permanent and sustainable funding from a new managed care organization tax and/or alternative fund sources.”

During the health care special session, for example, my colleagues across the aisle resurrected proposals that had been previously defeated – including raising the age of smoking to 21 and the regulation of e-cigarettes. What does either of these proposals have to do with health care funding? Nothing.

Whether I personally agree or disagree with a specific policy, introducing legislation that isn’t a solution to the special sessions is fundamentally wrong. A special session on health care finance is not the appropriate arena to address assisted suicide legislation.

Once a special session is called, both the Senate and Assembly are to establish and assemble committees to hear bills introduced in each house. In the Assembly, committee members were hand-selected to give these types of proposals the best chance for passage.

As a bill introduced in a special session, ABX2-15, the measure to authorize assisted suicide, avoided much of the normal legislative process. The special session process allowed it conveniently to circumnavigate much of what a regular bill goes through, and the measure wasn’t even in print for 30 days before being ordered to enrolling and engrossing.

The passage of this bill made a mockery of the legislative process. If an issue this contentious should become law, it should do so in a transparent manner and be given the time and attention it deserves. Brown even weighed in on the issue, messaging through staff his criticism of the “legislative corner-cutting.”

Process is the cornerstone of our institution and is something the California Legislature should pride itself on. If we, the representatives, don’t respect that process and instead push measures outside the scope of a special session, we aren’t respecting the institution and are essentially creating an anti-democratic body.

I have always been one to respect the institution that is the California Legislature. Other than representing our constituencies, abiding by the rules and procedures of each house should be at the top of everyone’s list.

In the last few weeks of the session, I witnessed the majority party undermine democratic principles and violate rules to implement personal agendas. This type of behavior is bad for the institution and damages the public’s faith in its government.

 

Scott Wilk represents the 38th Assembly District, which encompasses Simi Valley, the northern San Fernando Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

2 Comments

  1. Robert Olvera MD says:

    I am assuming you voted no on the assembly floor. If you in fact did then you went against the will of the many. 70% of all Californians, 60% of Catholics and 75% of Hispanics want this option. Not a gun or rope as you using the word suicide implies. Theses are people with a disease killing them, they are sick and want to liven, but want a gentle passing . Back off and urge the governor to sign the bill for end of life options. Robert Olvera MD

  2. Robert Shepard says:

    Dr. Olvera…where can we find the statistics you quote (70% of Californians, 60% of Catholics) that support this measure. I have not seen these numbers at all, in fact I have seen much different percentages for Catholics.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Every year at my Foster Youth Holiday Party, it seems like the presents and kids’ smiles get bigger and bigger!
Thursday, Dec 19, 2024
Reflecting on this past year, there are so many things to be thankful for. Whether it is our health, happiness or the ability to live in a community as special as ours, I believe many of our residents would agree that Santa Clarita is a place where wonderful memories have been made and a unique place to call home.
Monday, Dec 16, 2024
This Sunday, Dec. 15, the city of Santa Clarita will mark its 37th birthday.
Monday, Dec 9, 2024
The holiday season is a special time in Santa Clarita. As November comes to a close, you’ll begin to notice more and more dazzling lights illuminated and sprinkled throughout the city, a spectacular sight to see for long-time residents and visitors alike.
Monday, Dec 9, 2024
Here in Santa Clarita, keeping our streets in top condition is a priority and our Street Maintenance teams are dedicated to making that happen every day.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1905 - County buys property to build Newhall Jail (now next to city's Old Town Newhall Library) [story]
Old Newhall Jail
1910 - Newhall (Auto) Tunnel opens, bypassing Beale's Cut [story]
Newhall Tunnel
The city of Santa Clarita is seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for swimming, exceptional customer service and community engagement to join the lifeguard team.
Santa Clarita Seeks Applicants for Summer Lifeguard Jobs
California State Parks is calling all outdoor enthusiasts to step into the new year with a breath of fresh air. On Wednesday, Jan. 1, State Parks will host its highly anticipated First Day Hikes, offering over 90 guided hikes at more than 70 of California’s most iconic and breathtaking parks.
Jan. 1: California State Parks First Day Hikes
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a residential No Burn Day Alert on Saturday, Dec. 21, for all those living in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley.
Dec. 21: Residential No Burn Day in Santa Clarita Valley
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents to avoid consuming or feeding to their pets raw milk due to the ongoing spread of H5 bird flu in dairy cows.
Public Health Warns Against Consuming Raw Milk
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is hosting a call for vendors for its return April 12 and 13, 2025.
Feb. 3: Deadline for Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Vendors Applications
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reminding residents to remain vigilant as the holidays approach and to use the preventive tools available to protect the county’s most vulnerable populations from COVID-19.
Protect the Most Vulnerable from COVID-19 this Holiday Season
The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley will host a free Lifeforward workshop "All About Communication" on Saturday, Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway. Valencia, CA 91355.
Jan. 18: Zonta Lifeforward Workshop ‘All About Communication’
Start the new year off with a InfluenceHER Building Transformative Mutual Mentorship meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Kindred Spirits, 24510 Town Center Drive Valencia, CA 91355.
Jan. 14: InfluenceHER Building Transformative Mutual Mentorship
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the eagerly anticipated program for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the country’s premier stage for independent cinema.
CalArtians Among Sundance 2025 Lineup
Every year at my Foster Youth Holiday Party, it seems like the presents and kids’ smiles get bigger and bigger!
Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn
Annett Davis, the head coach of both the women's volleyball team and the beach volleyball team at The Masters University, has decided to step down as the head coach of the women's indoor volleyball team.
TMU Coach Davis to Focus on Beach Volleyball, Hafner Hired as Indoor Coach
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced Naomi Kim, a senior at West Ranch High School, has earned the Congressional Award’s highest award: The Gold Medal.
West Ranch High’s Naomi Kim Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal
As families prepare to celebrate the holidays, the California Highway Patrol reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the road. To keep travelers safe throughout the busy holiday season, the CHP is initiating the first of two statewide Maximum Enforcement Periods this month to reduce traffic incidents by targeting unsafe driving behaviors and assisting motorists.
Dec. 24-25: CHP Maximum Enforcement, Home for the Holidays, Safety is Best Gift
The city of Santa Clarita has announced that renovations are coming to the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia Branch. The Valencia Branch will be temporarily closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, for a flooring renovation project.
Dec. 21-Jan. 1: Valencia Branch of Santa Clarita Public Library Closed for Renovation
Matias Castro a graduate of Golden Valley High School, three-time participant in the William S. Hart Union High School District Honor Band and current first-year student at University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music has been named a 2025 YoungArts winner with distinction in Jazz Alto Saxophone, the highest honor of the organization.
Matias Castro, Golden Valley High Grad, Named  2025 YoungArts Winner
There was no gold, frankincense or the anointing oil myrrh, but the hot sausage, pancakes and special gifts offered at the recent “Breakfast with Santa” held in Valencia were treats for dozens of children and their parents. It was a reminder of the meaning of this special holiday season.
Realtors Host Annual Holiday ‘Breakfast with Santa’ in Valencia
1892 - Benjamin Harrison establishes 555,520-acre San Gabriel Timberland Reserve (Angeles National Forest). First forest reserve in California, second in U.S. [story]
map
Yes I Can Unity Through Music & Education, a nonprofit organization that provides career-skills training and employment services to adults with disabilities, presented certificates of recognition to Remo Inc. and Migrate Sound for the commitment to creating career opportunities for neurodiverse talent.
Yes I Can Honors Remo Inc., Migrate Sound
The MAIN and Outpost Media has announced the premiere of The Wolves, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, thru Sunday, Jan. 26, at the MAIN located at 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
The MAIN, Outpost Media Presents The Wolves
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, swore in recently elected board members, named its new officers, received recognitions for service and set its 2025 meeting schedule at the board’s business and organizational meeting held on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
COC Board of Trustees Swears in New Members
Reflecting on this past year, there are so many things to be thankful for. Whether it is our health, happiness or the ability to live in a community as special as ours, I believe many of our residents would agree that Santa Clarita is a place where wonderful memories have been made and a unique place to call home.
Laurene Weste | What Are You Thankful For This Holiday Season?
SCVNews.com