Taxpayers not even at the table

Originally Ran in the San Diego Union Tribune on August 11, 2010

By Diane Harkey

Mildly optimistic about recent progress in negotiations with the state’s 21 unions, but disappointed in what appears to be the “deal,” we now need some answers.

Roughly three months before California goes to the polls, why would a lame duck governor be able to bring parties that have heretofore been unwilling to negotiate to the table now? With the state bankrupt and unemployment out of control, shouldn’t the next governor and new Legislature have the flexibility to review and approve contracts that impact our solvency and the future of our state?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2010

Contact: Gino Folchi – 916-319-2073

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey Adamantly Opposes Tax and Spend Budget Option

Sixty-five percent of Californian’s rejected similar tax increases last May

SACRAMENTO – The Democrat counter to the Governor’s budget proposal is finally on the table. While people at home continue to trim their budgets and adjust their lifestyles, in Sacramento there are calls for more taxes to fund bigger government and more government-subsidized jobs. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2010

Contact: Gino Folchi – 916-319-2073

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, that adds scuba diving to a list of other hazardous recreational activities while extending legal immunity to state and local governments, was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger.  The bill is the product of a two year effort with California Ships to Reefs, a nonprofit that advocates for fishing and diving tourism along the California coast. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2010

Contact: Gino Folchi

916-319-2073

Harkey Calls For Fiscal Responsibility

High Speed Rail Authority will be held accountable for taxpayer dollars

SACRAMENTO – In a rare moment of clarity, financial accountability and fiscal responsibility received bipartisan support on the Assembly floor today.  AB 2121, joint authored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) and Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston) passed out of the Assembly with unanimous support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20, 2009

Contact: Gino Folchi

(916) 319-2073

Harkey Calls for High Speed Reality Check

SACRAMENTO – AB 2121 authored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) sailed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee with a vote of 13-0.  As amended, the bill would hold the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to a higher standard of financial accountability.  The legislation would require HSRA to submit a 6 year expenditure plan and an annual financing plan to the Legislature with a detailed list any proposed indebtedness and costs associated with the project going forward.

California’s High Speed Spending on the Big-Dig West

By: California State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R) Dana Point

Bracing for $20B deficits annually through 2015, it’s time to set priorities. Cuts to education, public safety, underfunded pensions, borrowing and deferring payments to local government should sound an alarm. Those outside California are certainly weighing in; our debt rating is the lowest in the nation, comparable to Mexico and Brazil. Yet we continue to borrow and party as if it were 1999. The proposal for High Speed Rail, typifies the high-speed spending mentality that has brought our state to its knees.

California High Speed Rail Project – Time to Eliminate High Speed Rail funding SF Transportation Policy ExaminerKathy Hamilton