John A Perez; California's Next Speaker Of The House

[Ayatollahgondola]

I don't see that this is making big news as far as ripple effects, so I thought I'd point out a few things here in regards to the choice. Here is what you will be getting as far as the next person who gets to have a powerful vote in bringing bills to the floor or holding them back. The speaker also gets to:

"The Speaker of the Assembly presides over the Assembly in the chief leadership position, controlling the flow of legislation and committee assignments."

So this is what you will be getting in that seat:

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a46/

Assemblymember John A. Pérez was elected to represent the 46th District in Los Angeles.

Growing up in the working class communities of El Sereno and Highland Park, John’s parents taught him the value of hard work and community service. With over 15 years working within the labor movement, John has channeled these values into fighting to create jobs, expand healthcare and protect workers’ rights.

Knowing that opportunity and a path to success are not always easy to find, John has worked tirelessly to create jobs for local residents. He helped lead the effort to mandate a local hire agreement requiring 30% of all major construction jobs to be dedicated to local residents and those in need, providing those individuals with valuable experience and training in skilled professions. He also played a leading role in the increase of the California minimum wage.

Having worked both in housing projects and with immigrants on job sites to improve wages, healthcare and benefits, John also has a deep understanding of the daily struggles that so many working families endure just to survive. John helped organize tenants to learn about lead exposure and abatement programs, implemented free lead screening tests, and instituted education efforts for residents in developments impacted by lead exposure.

John’s work on behalf of the community has been recognized by various elected officials and organizations. Three mayors, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, have appointed John to major Los Angeles City Commissions. Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg appointed John to serve on a Blue Ribbon panel studying state initiative reform. John also received a Presidential appointment to serve on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS.

In addition to his work in the labor movement, John serves as an elected member of the Democratic National Committee. John has served as a board member for the California League of Conservation Voters, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Latino Coalition against AIDS, the California Center for Regional Leadership, and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.

And also, he supposedly is the first openly gay speaker of the house.