Harkey Named Vice Chair of PERSS Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2010

Contact: Gino Folchi

916-319-2073

 

Harkey Named Vice Chair of PERSS Committee

 SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republican Leader Martin Garrick, of Carlsbad, today announced that Speaker John A. Pérez has made changes to the leadership of Assembly policy committees, designating Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) as Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security (PERSS).  Harkey will also serve on the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.

“Across California, elected officials, taxpayers and even public employees are beginning to notice the need to make some changes to pension systems that we can no longer afford,” Harkey said. “As Vice Chair, I will work with all parties to find sustainable and legal solutions to reduce future liabilities and ensure that investment assumptions are conservative and realistic. We don’t need another financial ticking time bomb in California.”

The Assembly PERSS Committee oversees legislation pertinent to the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) – the largest public pension in the United States.

Harkey has also been placed on the Banking and Finance Committee, a key position given her 30 years of real world experience in banking and corporate finance. 

“At a time of great economic uncertainty, the Banking and Finance Committee must ensure that the state is in line with federal banking standards to avoid further unnecessary regulations and taxes,” Harkey said. 

Harkey also sits on the following committees: Appropriations, Budget, Budget Subcommittee 5 on Information Technology/Transportation, Revenue and Taxation, Select Committee on Biotechnology and the Select Committee on the Census. 

Assemblywoman Harkey represents the 73rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

###