Ronald Reagan Day Signed into Law
It's official. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation designating February 6 as Ronald Reagan Day. Reagan, before his 1980 Presidential election, had served two terms as the Governor of California.
In addition to designating one day per year to honor the former Governor and President, Schwarzenegger also signed legislation creating a commission to promote the celebration next year of what would have been Reagan's 100 th birthday.
Reagan died in 2004.
"As California's governor, Ronald Reagan made great strides in strengthening our Golden State, and as President of the United States, his dedication to freedom and democracy changed the world," Schwarzenegger said in a written statement.
To learn more about President Reagan: http://www.ronaldreagan.com/
You can also visit the Ronald Reagan Prsidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley. To learn more about the Foundation and Library: http://www.reaganlibrary.com/
Court Wrap-Up
The U.S. Supreme Court recently concluded its 2009-10 term, which was marked by pivotal decisions in several cases. Of the 73 decisions handed down this term, three stood out: McDonald v. Chicago, Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission and Graham v. Florida.
The Supreme Court decision in McDonald extended Second Amendment rights by requiring state and local governments' gun regulations to conform to the "right to keep and bear arms." This ruling, like District of Columbia v. Heller in the previous term, was a victory for guns rights advocates.
As a legislator, lawyer and gun-owning American, I laud the Court's decision in McDonald v. Chicago for both its sound legal reasoning and its policy implications. Armed self-defense against brazen criminals is a proven way to reduce violent crime, and without a doubt many innocent lives will be saved as more citizens begin to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms. For example, a year after the Heller decision overturned a D.C. handgun ban, violent crime in Washington, D.C. dropped 25 percent. (Read my full commentary on the decision)
Citizens United ended the ban on union and corporate expenditures on political campaigns. This decision, seen as an extension of First Amendment rights by conservatives, was strongly criticized by liberals. President Obama attacked it in his State of the Union address, claiming that the ruling would "open the floodgates for special interests."
For more information on the Citizens United decision, please visit:
http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2008/2008_08_205Another interesting decision is Graham v. Florida, which categorically abolished life without parole sentences for non-homicide offenders under 18. California has two inmates that will have to be re-sentenced as a result of this ruling.
For more information on the Grahamdecision, please visit:
http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2009/2009_08_7412
Tom Harman represents the people of the 35th Senate District. Harman, a member of the Republican Party, was first elected to the State Senate in 2006 in a special election after serving nearly six years in the State Assembly representing the 67th Assembly District.
Harman first entered the State Legislature in 2000 after serving six years on the Huntington Beach City Council. Senator Harman, a local businessman and civic volunteer, has lived and worked in Orange County for nearly 50 years.
He currently serves as Minority Whip and lead Republican on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. He also is a member of the following committees: Budget and Fiscal Review; Business, Professions and Economic Development; Governmental Organizations; Local Government; Transportation and Housing.
As one of the State's leaders in the fight against illegal immigration, Harman has authored numerous measures aimed at: providing local and state law enforcement the tools necessary to assist federal agencies; requiring employment verification; and limiting state services to those here illegally.
He has consistently supported legislation to limit the size and scope of government. Throughout his legislative career he has signed and honored his pledge to vote against all new taxes.