The State Legislative Summit and State Legislators Reception  met June 10, 2009

Top Speakers: State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego and State Senator Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria

Sensible implementation of climate change rules for business, funds for critical flood protection projects and health care for children were among the top issues that the region’s business leaders took to the State Capitol for this intensive day of advocacy.

The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual State Legislative Summit attracted more than 150 top business and civic leaders from the six-county region, holding more than 80 meetings with senators, assembly members and top government officials.

Our Legislative Summit mirrors the Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap effort. For our region to succeed in receiving its fair share of state funds, we have to make our case more strongly than the state’s more populated areas,” said event chair Bruce Starkweather, of Lionakis. “Thankfully, our region has a core of committed, hard-wording business and civic leaders willing to prepare for this one day of advocacy that requires many hours and meetings preparation.” 

Currently, the Metro Chamber seeks regional business leaders who want to round out the summit advocacy teams and participate. The all-day event includes a breakfast at the Sheraton Grand, presentations by a Republican and Democratic member of the state Legislature, team briefings, morning and afternoon lobbying appointments, a lunch with keynote speakers and an evening reception to recognize state Legislators. 

Hear the Inside Scoop on the State Budget Crisis
The Metro Chamber secured two speakers who made direct, insightful observations about the state and its budget crisis. At lunch, they heard from Republican Senator Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, who cast the deciding vote on the state budget solution. The final budget, which was passed Feb. 19, was vital in ensuring the state continued to function. As part of the final budget solution, the senator negotiated the elimination of the gasoline tax increase as well as other reform proposals.

On the other side of the aisle, Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego, Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, addressed Summit participants. She has been called by many in The Building the “only elected official remaining that really understands how the budget works.” The noontime speakers provided a substantive and fascinating conversation on the budget--one you won't get anywhere else.