Today Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman will voluntary step aside from his leadership post as his duly-elected successor, Senator Dave Cogdill, becomes the new leader of Senate Republicans. We reached out to Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, and asked if he would pen something for FR readers on this special occasion… – Flash
Today, my friend and colleague, Senator Dave Cogdill, officially becomes the new Republican Leader of the California State Senate. I look forward to working with Senator Cogdill to promote common-sense Republican solutions to build a stronger California.
While there will be a new Senate Republican Leader sitting along side me during the upcoming Big 5 negotiations, the priorities of Republicans remain unchanged.
Assembly and Senate Republicans are united in fighting for California’s hard-working taxpayers. We believe we must get spending under control and ensure California lives within its means to eliminate our state’s $16 billion deficit.
I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with Senator Cogdill in rejecting every attempt by Democrats to impose billions of dollars in higher taxes to pay for their reckless overspending. So far this year, Democrats have proposed over $25 billion in tax increases on everything from iTunes to oil. As a small business owner, Senator Cogdill understands the devastating impact higher taxes would have on families and our economic growth. Republicans will continue to send a unified message to the majority party that we will not support tax increases.
Senator Cogdill is also a strong champion of strengthening public safety protections for Californians and rejecting the early release of felons from our state prisons. We are committed to do whatever it takes to keep criminals behind bars and off the streets.
Both Senator Cogdill and I are privileged to represent the Central Valley, and each of us has served as chairman of the bipartisan Legislative Rural Caucus. In fact, part of his Senate district overlaps with my Assembly district. During our time in Legislature together, we have not only developed a friendship, but a strong partnership working on behalf of our shared values and our Central Valley constituents.
In his new role, we have a unique opportunity together as members of the Big 5 to make positive changes not only for the Central Valley, but the entire state. I look forward to serving with Senator Cogdill in doing so.
Senator Cogdill and I will continue to stand together to balance the budget without tax increases, reform our education system so more money gets to the classroom, strengthen our economy and ensure our communities are safe. It will undoubtedly be an uphill battle, but together, we are confident we can chart a new course for California.
I also want to commend Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman for his leadership. Senator Ackerman has been an effective leader for our party and our state and a strong champion for fiscal discipline, government accountability and tax relief. He has also been a good personal friend.
Working together, I have no doubt that Senator Cogdill and I, with the support of our caucuses, will be able to accomplish many great things for California’s hard working families and our party.
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Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines of Fresno represents the 29th Assembly District in the California Legislature.
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