Fixing California's Budget: Where Do We Go From Here?

California is the only state that requires its annual budget and new revenues to be approved by a super-majority rather than a simple majority of legislators. As a result, Democrats in the California legislature must face off yearly with right-wing Republicans who demand that major environmental and workers' protections be overturned in return for their vote, and have made harmful concessions in order to get a budget passed.

Our dysfunctional state budget process threatens to destroy our quality of life. What can we do to change this hostage situation? Former Assemblymember and Speaker Pro Tem Sally Lieber will discuss options and efforts underway to reform the budget process and how we can help.

Sally Lieber was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2002 to represent the 22nd Assembly District where she served until being termed out in 2008. Ms. Lieber developed a reputation for being an extraordinarily hard-working and productive member of the Legislature, tackling many substantive issues and having significant legislation signed by both Democratic and Republican Governors.

In addition to serving as Speaker pro Tempore of the State Assembly, Ms. Lieber also was Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Ending Poverty in California, Vice-Chair of the Assembly's Committee on Local Government and Chair of the Assembly's Select Committee on Mobile homes. She also served on the Assembly's Committees on Natural Resources, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, Judiciary, Insurance, Health, Aging and Long-Term Care and Human Services. Before her election to the State Assembly, Sally served as a Councilwoman and Mayor of the City of Mountain View and as a Santa Clara County Commissioner.