The Senator Reports

October 1st, 2009

Alarming News for Jobs and Unemployment
By Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad)

Last month, statewide reports indicated some disturbing news: California’s unemployment rate reached an alarming 12.2%, while the national unemployment rate rose to 9.7%. Californians continued losing their jobs at an alarming rate, with another 49,000 jobs lost during this month alone. August 2008 to August 2009 shows a decrease of 741,500 jobs—down 5%.

The numbers released are just a further example of why jobs must be the top priority of the California Legislature. Now more than ever we must do everything we can to protect the jobs we have and stimulate new job growth. The recent state unemployment numbers underscore the need for policies that harness the power of the private sector to help create prosperity and spur entrepreneurial spirit throughout the state.

I will continue fighting against any legislation that will inhibit business growth, and champion any legislation that reduces unnecessary red tape and regulations that further disadvantage California’s business climate.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email: senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov

Investigate ACORN Now!
By Assemblyman Martin Garrick

Last week I sent a letter to Secretary of State Debra Bowen and asked her to immediately investigate the campaign finance and voter registration activities of the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now – better known as ACORN.

Recent news stories have allegedly shown ACORN employees dispensing advice on ways to avoid paying taxes and how to smuggle people across our borders. The videos that were released are troublesome but it is not the first time ACORN has been investigated for wrong doing. At least five other states are looking into possible voter registration fraud by the organization. Furthermore, our local Registrar of Voters informed me that 4,800 voter registration cards submitted by the organization were immediately disqualified and 76 of them were sent to the elections fraud unit at the Secretary of State’s office. Unfortunately, it appears that Secretary Bowen has yet to further investigate any wrong doing.

I believe that the integrity of our ballot box is at stake with this investigation. If you want to assist me in my effort to persuade the Secretary of State to investigate ACORN, please contact my office at (760) 929-7998.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick serves the communities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside as the Assemblyman for the 74th District.