nov-dec-2020

A supermajority means the party in charge has the votes to more easily pass tax increases, suspend legislative rules, approve emergency legislation and overturn vetoes. However, there is not universal alignment on legislative issues because Democrats in the State Legislature hold a wide spectrum of political and policy views. Moderate Democrats (Mod Dems) In the Assembly, a group of business-friendly Democrats operate as a caucus, and they work to influence some of the most challenging bills, often on labor and environmental issues. Mod Dems have been helpful in amending or stopping certain measures and their leadership is essential in securing key wins. After the legislative session adjourned this year, two dynamic legislators were selected to lead the Mod Dems, Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) was chosen as Chair and Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) was chosen as Vice Chair. Both are well-known to many growers at Blue Diamond . Each has demonstrated not just an interest in our policy issues, but both have proven they are active advocates for agriculture. One of the challenges facing Mod Dems is to ensure the caucus holds firm when political pressure from party leadership comes down to bear. That’s where strong management of the caucus is critical. With Assemblywoman Rubio at the helm, we believe the Mod Dems will have an organized, focused, and strategic chair, and Ag Council looks forward to continuing to work with her and Assemblyman Cooper. Over in the Senate, Ag Council has solid Democrat partners in Senator Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger), Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and many others who have helped lead the way to more practical policies within that chamber. Building Bridges California’s political environment means building bridges among diverse interests is integral to our members’ success. Having “go-to” people in the State Capitol is important. At the same time, it is crucial we connect with legislators from across the political spectrum. One such legislator emblematic of our broad advocacy is Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). He has demonstrated a genuine interest in learning more about agriculture, our policy perspectives and has attended farm and food processing tours with our members. Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) is another legislator who is representative of broad partnerships. He authored Ag Council’s Buy American measure relating to school food purchases, which was signed into law, and his district includes Blue Diamond ’s Sacramento facility. Such examples illustrate the importance of implementing a politically balanced approach in the agricultural communities’ best interest while recognizing the political realities in front of us. Our team is motivated to work on behalf of Blue Diamond and all our members to pave the way toward meaningful success for California agriculture in 2021 and beyond. Thank you for Blue Diamond ’s support and membership over the past 110 years. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or comments at emily @ agcouncil.org. Emily Rooney, President, Agricultural Council of California 3 9 N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0