I've also never been much of a fan of Davis. He has always been far too cosy with special interests, particularly the prison guard union. There is not a statewide candidate that can make it into office in California without the support of law enforcement. They are the largest most powerful lobby in the state. He gave them a raise. That's all. Any prisons built were built by bond initiatives voted into existance by ballot propostition. The majority of increased prison spending was due to the cost of providing healthcare to prisoners mandated by a case brought against the state combined with an increase in healthcare costs that outpaced inflation by double digits.
If he doesn't raise funds, Democrats can't get advertising and compete with Republicans. Davis' fundraising brought Dems UP along with him so much co that they won every statewide office last November.
He's done some dumb things in the past couple of years such as tripling the auto tax and panicking during the energy crisis and getting California into horrendous long term energy prices. He also could have been far more aggressive and out front in fighting for California during the energy crisis. Most Californians are still oblivious to the fact that the major reason for the energy crisis was Pete Wilson, the energy companies and a compliant Bush White House.He was the one who LOWERED vehicle registration fees increased under Pete Wilson. The law provided at the time that should the state budget go into the red the fees had to go back up. IT would have occurred no matter who was in office.
The energy crisis is far too complex to address here but spot prices were rising when he signed those contracts and the FERC was refusing to step in.
That aside, for someone who is the consumate campaigner, he's run about the lamest campaign I've seen in years. The ad's I've seen him run are lame at best and he hasn't used the energy crisis once. Why hasn't he pinned the energy crisis on Schwartzenegger who is benig backed by Pete Wilson and who met with Ken Lay a few years ago to help Enron rape California. Instead the only time we are seeing the energy crisis is in ads attacking Davis & BustamanteThe media ws hammering him for blaming others. It would not have worked. Furthermore, the DNC pushed to have another candidate on the ballot which SPLIT the available donors to combat the recall. Dems are NOT at a dollar advantage with Republicans especially those who get free air time daily.
I've always thought that a strong Democrat state like California ought to produce a far better Democrat Governor than Davis. Up to now he's had it easy in elections and in running the state but now that his back is up against it, he's proving he doesn't have what it takes.
No people bought the spin and abandoned him. Not all of his policies have been great but they were heads and shoulders above his 2 predecessors.
Below are some of his accomplishments:
CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY
EDUCATION
The greatest investment in K-12 education ever.
In his first three years, increased investment in K-12 education by $9.1 billion, or 39 percent – the largest three-year increase in history.
An historic expansion of the Cal-Grant program to help disadvantaged students who need financial assistance to pay for college.
Four-Percent Admissions Program – has increased UC freshman admissions among African-American students by more than 13 percent for Fall 2001.
$1,000 merit scholarships for high-achieving students in every school.
Academic Mentor program, serving 17,000 at-risk students
CALIFORNIA'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST
As of January 2002, Governor Davis had appointed 13 cabinet secretaries, 178 judges, 46 department directors, 377 department and agency staff members and 1,202 members of boards and commissions and 251 nonstatutory appointments.
He has averaged three appointments a day, keeping pace with previous administrations.
When Gray Davis took office, he promised that his Administration would reflect the great diversity that California has to offer.
The Davis administration has included many "firsts" for California - including the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff and the first African-American to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services. He has appointed the highest total percentage of female appointees ever. And his overall percentages of female and minority judicial appointments far exceeds that of his predecessors.
In October 2001, Governor Davis made his first and only appointment to the California Supreme Court, Justice Carlos Moreno. Justice Moreno was the only candidate to receive a unanimous vote of “exceptionally well qualified” by the State Bar Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation.
On July 31, 2000, the Governor named former State Court of Appeal Justice Harry Low as Insurance Commissioner, an appointment that restored credibility and integrity to that important office. He is currently the highest-ranking Asian American in California state government.
Governor Davis has also appointed the first woman chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission and the first Vietnamese-American as a judge in Southern California. And Governor Davis appointed five openly gay individuals to the bench, the first such appointments in over 16 years.
In addition, the Governor appointed the first Latina and Asian Pacific American to cabinet positions, the first Latinas to serve as director of Health Services and director of Social Services, and the first Asian American to serve as the director of the Department of Conservation.
CHILDREN
“At a time when children should be full of promise and potential, uninsured children face big obstacles to achieving their dreams. I am convinced that healthier children today mean a more productive, more prosperous California tomorrow.” – Governor Gray Davis
Governor Gray Davis is committed to protecting the health and safety of California’s 9.7 million children. During the past two years, he has launched initiatives to ensure that every child has the ability to reach his or her full potential. For example, the Davis Administration has implemented programs for foster children, placing them into good, caring homes. It is also making it easier for parents to insure their children through programs such as “Healthy Families,” which provides high-quality health care to children of middle and low-income working families.
Infant Health
Governor Davis is committed to accelerating the downward trend in California’s infant mortality rate. Nationally, California has had the lowest infant mortality of the 10 largest states for the past three years. More than 11 percent of live births in California involve exposure to drugs or alcohol or both. Governor Davis is working to reverse these trends by providing funding to various programs that help to ensure the health of each child born in this state.
The Davis Administration has worked to increase the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program. The program provides health care coverage for pregnant mothers and infants. Governor Davis also signed into law a bill that allows California Indian tribes to participate in the AIM Program and the Major Rick Medical Insurance Program by paying required fees of premiums on behalf of members of the tribe.
Governor Davis has continued the Black Infant Health Program works to ensure the health of African-American infants. Under Governor Davis, the budget for the program has doubled and will provide needed services to high-risk African-American women.
Hazardous Substances
Governor Davis has taken action to protect California’s children from environmental pollutants.
In September 2000, Governor Davis signed a bill that requires the State Department of Health Services to determine the levels of hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) in the drinking water systems of the San Fernando Basin aquifer. This is the chemical featured in the film “Erin Brockovich.” The film is about a legal secretary’s research into environmental hazards that helped more than 600 plaintiffs in Hinckley, California win a $333 million settlement. The State Department of Health Services, in consultation with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, will also assess the exposures and risks to the public of the levels of hexavalent chromium determined.
This year, Governor Davis allocated $2.8 million to assist in investigations and provide technical assistance related to the cleanup of hazardous substances at school sites. He also set aside $1 million to evaluate indoor air quality in portable classrooms.
Children’s Safety
In 1999, Governor Davis signed gun safety bills that give California the toughest and most far-reaching gun safety laws in the nation. He is strongly committed to establishing effective means to protect children and is determined to move forward with comprehensive measures that reduce crime and increase the security of California’s citizens. This year, Governor Davis signed various bills to enhance the penalties for child abuse.
Governor Davis signed a bill that is designed to improve the handling of child sexual abuse allegations in contested custody cases. This bill requires court-connected and private custody evaluators to participate in domestic violence training. It also authorizes the family courts to report to local child protective services agencies when conducting an investigation into serious allegations of child sexual abuse that are made during child custody hearings.
The identity of the minors named in the records will be kept confidential because of a bill that Governor Davis signed. This new law authorizes a County Juvenile Justice Commission to access court and other confidential records to investigate possible abuses in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Juvenile courts are also authorized to bring in private service providers, to evaluate orders regarding the care, custody and control of a dependent child.
PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
California is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world – from beautiful beaches and coastline to snow-capped mountains and lush old-growth forests. Our state’s residents are defined by their great respect for environmental consciousness, and the Davis Administration has sought to uphold that deep commitment.
Governor Davis believes that environmental protection and economic growth must go hand-in-hand. That is why he’s worked with business and industry to craft an environmental policy that is balanced and fair, yet built upon our fundamental environmentalist nature and values.
PARKS
The largest resource bond in state history.
Supported and actively campaigned for Proposition 12, the first successful park bond since 1988. Passed by voters in 2000, the bond allocated $2.1 billion for the acquisition and protection of parks, agricultural lands, and open space.
Implemented an across-the-board reduction in state park visitor fees.
Signed legislation placing the $2.6-billion “Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Bond Act” on the March 2002 ballot.
Established an urban parks initiative and called for the creation of the Los Angeles River Parkway.
LAND ACQUISITIONS
Bringing state parks to where people live.
Governor Davis fought for and won a $100-million Natural Heritage Tax Credit, the largest of its kind anywhere in America.
Governor Davis created a $495-million acquisition agreement for the “Headwaters” forest – saving 7,500 acres of old-growth coastal redwoods forest.
He also included $95 million to acquire lands and develop key river parkways statewide – such as the Los Angeles River and San Joaquin River Parkway.
WATER QUALITY
California is the first state in the nation to meet certain federal clean water standards, using an innovative approach addressing both inland and coastal pollution in one program.
Supported and actively campaigned for Proposition 13, which earmarks $1.9 billion for water supply reliability, safe drinking water, flood control, and water conservation projects.
Signed the toughest water quality enforcement law in the nation requiring mandatory penalties for pollution.
Negotiated with U.S. Department of the Interior to address California’s water supply, water quality, and ecosystem restoration needs through the CALFED Bay-Delta program – the nation’s most comprehensive water management system.
$21.3 million in the 2001-02 budget for water quality efforts, including reducing pollution from dairies and storm water.
Governor Davis ordered the phase-out of the hazardous fuel additive MTBE, and petitioned the U.S. EPA to grant a waiver allowing California to bypass requirements for oxygen in gas, on the grounds that it would be counter productive and add unnecessary cost.
Provided $13.5 million in the 2001-02 budget to preserve and restore wetlands around Lake Tahoe.
COASTAL PROTECTION
An unprecedented commitment to California’s coast.
Governor Davis has provided $107 million to clean up coastal pollution and reduce the number of beach closure days.
Signed legislation strengthening beach and coastal protections.
Filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior to block additional offshore oil drilling.
Vetoed the “Rigs-to-Reefs” bill which would have allowed oil companies to leave decommissioned oil platforms in place.
Gays and lesbians
Governor Gray Davis has worked to honor the diverse families which call California home. He’s signed legislation to level the playing field and guarantee protections for lesbian and gays in California.
During his first three years, Governor Davis’ reforms included:
Domestic Partners legislation establishing the nation’s first statewide registry for domestic partnerships, and providing hospital visitation rights for domestic partners. The bill also makes health benefits available to the domestic partners of state employees and permits local governments to provide domestic partners’ benefits to their employees. Governor Davis has also worked with Assemblymember Migden this year to craft a bill for him to sign expanding domestic partnership benefits.
The California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000, which prohibits harassment and discrimination of students in California’s schools on the basis of sexual orientation.
Gov. Davis revoked state regulations automatically opposing the adoptions of foster children by gay and other unmarried couples. This rule impacts all California adoption agencies, county welfare departments and social service agencies.
The Governor opposed Proposition 22, the Knight Initiative. Gov. Davis appeared in television commercials and campaigned publicly in opposition.
Creating a Level Playing Field
Californian is known for its tolerance towards different lifestyles. Governor Davis has sought to ensure that California’s laws live up to those values by preventing discrimination in housing, jury selection, academic admission, and other areas.
Fair Employment and Housing Act – prohibits discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of sexual orientation.
Governor Davis signed into law legislation that prohibits exclusion from jury service based on sexual orientation.
Strengthened government and civil code rules to prevent discrimination.
Through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, cracked down on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and bias-related hate violence.
Appointed a Diversity Task Force, consisting of business, academic, and community leaders, to make recommendations on outreach efforts for academic admissions, state contracts, and other programs to increase diversity.
The War Against Hate
All Californians are not safe until every Californian is safe. Governor Davis has signed legislation which provides protections for gays and lesbians against hate crimes.
Signed into law legislation to establish a mandatory life sentence without parole for hate murders.
Toughened penalty for hate crimes by empowering prosecutors to collect the $25,000 penalty for victims of hate crimes under the Ralph Civil Rights Act.
Created a Blue Ribbon panel to study laws combating "hate groups" operating in California.
Proclaimed October 15, 2000 “Remembrance Day,” to honor those who have died violent deaths because of their sexual orientation.
Proclaimed August 7-14, 2000 “Hate Crime Awareness Week.”
A Seat at the Table
When selecting appointees to serve in his Administration, Governor Davis has used one criteria above all else: whether they can do the job well. Today, a record number of gay and lesbian appointees serve in senior positions within the Governor’s office and at state agencies and departments.
Governor Davis’ appointments include:
Susan Kennedy – Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary
Daniel Zingale – Director, Department of Managed Care
Rita Saenz – Director, Department of Social Services
Kathryn Jett – Director, Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs
Chuck Supple – Executive Director, California Commission for Improving Life Through Service
HEALTH CARE
“Healthier individuals today mean a more productive, more prosperous California tomorrow. Children especially need a healthy start in order to reach their full potential. I won’t be completely satisfied until every child in the state of California has access to quality, affordable health care.” – Governor Gray Davis
Governor Gray Davis has continued his commitment to providing quality health care to all Californians. Through his 2000-2001 budget and other legislative action, the governor has made quality health care more accessible than ever before for California.
Health Care For Kids
Governor Davis has been aggressive in his efforts to provide health coverage to children of low to middle-income families through the Healthy Families Program. First Lady Sharon Davis has become the program’s spokeswoman, and the governor and First Lady launched an extensive outreach campaign to increase the enrollment in the Healthy Families Program so that every California child is insured.
Governor Davis’ efforts increased enrollment in the Healthy Families Program (HFP) from 56,000 to nearly 350,000 children in just 22 months. Program changes and enhancements included:
Simplified Application Process – Reduced the application from 28 to 4 pages, and eliminated complicated mathematical calculations.
Expanded Eligibility – Petitioned the federal government to raise the income ceiling for family eligibility from 200 to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, making 175,000 more California children eligible for the program.
Increased Funding – Provided enough funding to enroll 511,000 children.
Legal Immigrant Children – Covered recent legal immigrant children under the program, and signed legislation to provide continued, ongoing coverage for immigrant children.
Coverage For Parents – The governor signed legislation requiring the HFP to be expanded to cover the uninsured parents of eligible children, and will be submitting a waiver request to the federal government to permit the coverage of parents. Providing access to parents will significantly improve health care for the families of the state’s uninsured children.
Expanded Outreach – Governor Davis significantly augmented the Healthy Families Program and Medi-Cal to target hard-to-reach children by expanding funding for media outreach by $10 million for a total of $31.8 million in FY 2000-01.
1998 SCHIP funds – The governor is proactively working with the California Congressional delegation to create a suitable use for federal funds provided for HFP in the program’s start-up phase. California, and 40 other states, were unable to use all of the $590 million the state was provided by the federal government.
Reforming HMO’S
Governor Davis signed some of the strongest HMO reform laws in the nation. The governor enacted into law 21 bills giving Californians new health care rights, ensuring that HMOs put patients first. Included in the reform package was the establishment of the Department of Managed Care, the first state agency in the nation devoted solely to improving the managed health care system. In addition, during the 2000 legislative session, Governor Davis signed legislation to further strengthen California’s HMO reforms.
http://www.graydavis.com/Accomplish/Accomplishment.asp?iAccomplishmentId=115
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