Friday, November 14, 2008

State Legislative Elections

DescriptionRegardless of the outcome of a couple of very close races that have not yet been officially called, the Democrats in the Assembly appear to have strengthened their partisan advantage to from 48 to 50 or 51 members (leaving the Republicans with 29/30.) The Senate Democrats may pick up one additional seat, which would give them a 26-14 advantage over the Republicans. However, that Senate race in the Santa Barbara/Ventura area is far from settled. From an agricultural perspective, it’s the first time in my 35 year career that no farmer or agri-business representative is serving in the Democratic Caucus in either house. We’ll still have our “champions” such as Denise Ducheny in the Senate and Cathleen Galgiani in the Assembly. Unfortunately, neither has made her livelihood from farming. The Republicans have several representatives from agriculture such as Jim Nielsen and the Berryhills (Tom and Bill) in the Assembly along with Abel Maldonado, Jeff Denham and Dennis Hollingsworth in the Senate. Bottom-line…our elected friends from the “Farm Belt” are outnumbered and will have their hands full trying to amend or forestall legislation that’s adverse to agriculture.

Special Session

After announcing the convening of a Special Legislative Session to deal with the state’s ever increasing budget deficits, Governor Schwarzenegger released his proposed changes to the current 2008-2009 Budget Act. His proposal included $4.5 billion in current year program cuts combined with $4.7 billion in new revenue increases. While most of the cuts were absorbed by education, health and welfare programs, agriculture also took a hit with the elimination of $35 million in Williamson Act funding. On the revenue side, most of the new funds are generated through the imposition of a 1.5 cent increase to the state sales tax. However, there is also a new “nickel a drink” alcohol tax that will raise $293 million. While the Governor’s budget was based on a projected $10.7 billion revenue short fall in the current budget year, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) threw more “fuel into fire” by projecting a $28 billion revenue shortfall over the next 18 months. Given the financial meltdown in the global economy, the uncertainty over what Congress may or may not do with a new financial bailout package, and the fact that the new state legislative session convenes in 17 days, it’s impossible to predict, what if anything comes out of the Special Session.

Good News/Bad News

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released a scientific review of four chemical products that may be used against the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) found a low likelihood of health problems from touching, breathing or ingesting any of the products, although some sensitive individuals could potentially have an allergic reaction. The review reaffirms two reports they previously released that found a low probability of adverse health effects from the use of pheromone-based chemicals due to their low toxicity and low rate of application. The good news is that the findings should help to reassure the general public that the LBAM eradication program uses the safest and most scientifically based techniques. The bad news…the results of five out of six toxicity studies for each product tested showed all had very low acute toxicity, as well as low potential for irritation. The sixth study showed that three of the products had the potential to cause an allergic reaction in laboratory animals. However, another test looking at the potential for allergic reaction did not show the same effect. Therefore, the review could not eliminate the possibility that some sensitive individuals could potentially have an allergic reaction. Thus, the activists, who are using every trick in the book to oppose the LBAM eradication project, can still use the public health arguments to support their cause.

The Next eUpdate

The next eUpdate will be distributed after December 1, unless something newsworthy develops on the Special Session. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!