California State Senate Formally Elects Darrell Steinberg as New President Pro Tem- Will Take Over November 30th

Has Strong Record on Disability, Foster Care, Mental Health and Senior Issues

By Marty D. Omoto
Director/Organizer
California Disability Community Action Network

By voice vote with no opposition, the State Senate formally elected Sen. Darrell Steinberg (Democrat - Sacramento) as the new Senate President Pro Tem, the leader of the State Senate.

Steinberg will join Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, Senate Republican Dave Cogdill (Republican - Fresno) and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines (Republican - Clovis) as the new leadership for new Legislative session that begins December 2008.

Senate Democrats earlier this year picked Steinberg to succeed Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (Democrat - Oakland), who is being forced out of the Legislature this year due to term limits.

Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (Democrat - Oakland) formally nominated Steinberg's name, praising him and is leadership. The nomination was seconded by Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill (Republican - Fresno).

Steinberg Thanks Senate

Steinberg, in brief remarks on the Senate Floor, thanked his family, constituents and Sen. Perata and other members. Ne noted that he will be the first Senate President from Sacramento in 125 years and said he looked forward in working with Senate Republican Leader Cogdill.

"I am not glossing over our present circumstance - but I believe we can be effective and productive on behalf of the people we serve...the public expects us to make real progress in solving the State's problems" Steinberg said. "it is possible to fight what we believe in but find the middle ground to solve our State's problems..."'

Former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton was present on the Senate Floor, along with with Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, both of whom Steinberg noted and thanked.

Recalls Mental Health Bill That Was His First

Steinberg, in closing his remarks, recalled his first bill that he introduced in the Legislature, AB 34 for homeless people with mental health needs that lead eventually to a landmark statewide inititative on increasing mental health community based services.

He connected that bill and the issue to the importance of a painting that hangs in his office, that was brought to the Senate Floor. Steinberg said it was painted and presented by a person with mental health needs from Humboldt County and it was an important reminder for him as a legislator.

The painting, which showed a forest in Humboldt County, depicted an angel, which the painter had told Steinberg represented California's commmitment in helping people with mental health needs and what that meant to him, a person with mental health needs who had desperately needed services.

Noting that painting and the painter, Steinberg said that "If we can save that one life - if we can save many lives, not just through my bills, but through the great work we all do - we can make this place, this hallowed place, a place of great productivity, a place that works for the people of Californa and a place for people who have no hope in their lives, hope...."

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