Retiring Lobbyist Sees Gains for Women in Legislative Arena

Lobbyist Margaret Herman, retiring after 19 years as legislative advocate for the League of Women Voters, was asked to describe the biggest change that she has seen in the operation and character of the Legislature.

“When I first began attending committee hearings,” Herman replied, “there were usually only two women in the room, the committee secretary and me.

“Now, in addition to women members of the committee, you’ll see women in roles of committee consultants, agency representatives, fiscal analysts and lobbyists representing all levels of economic interests as well as the more traditional ‘good causes.’

“That may be the most significant improvement in the process in 19 years.”

Herman is being succeeded as the league lobbyist by Trudy Schafer.

GOVERNOR

Appointed William Hauck of Carmichael, a former chief of staff to the late Assembly Speaker Bob Moretti (D-Los Angeles), as a policy consultant to the Wilson Administration. A Democrat, Hauck, 51, resigned as a member of the Fair Political Practices Commission to accept the new job. A six-month contract calls for his legislative information firm to receive $8,000 a month for his services.

ASSEMBLY

Bill Introductions

State Budget: AB 2303 by Assemblyman John Vasconellos (D-Santa Clara) would make appropriations for the support of state government for the 1992-93 fiscal year.

Sex Offenders: AB 2297 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove) would require people convicted of more types of sex offenses to register with local law enforcement officials.

Disabled Parking: AB 2289 by Assemblyman Gerald N. Felando (R-San Pedro) would increase from $100 to $150 the fine for illegally parking in a space marked for disabled persons.

Earthquakes: ACR 79 by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) would proclaim April to be California Earthquake Preparedness Month and urge all residents to engage in appropriate earthquake safety activities during the month.

Jail Deaths: AB 2302 by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) would require law enforcement agencies to make public reports on the circumstances concerning the deaths of jail inmates.

SENATE

Floor Action

Veto Override: Refused to override the governor’s veto of a bill (SB 55) by Sen. Alfred E. Alquist (D-San Jose) to create a Constitution Revision Commission to recommend changes in the state’s budgetary and initiative systems. The vote was 24 to 12, but a two-thirds majority, or 27 yes votes, was required for an override.

Bill Introductions

State Budget: SB 1280 by Sen. Alfred E. Alquist (D-San Jose) would make appropriations for the support of state government for the 1992-93 fiscal year.

Committee Action

Health Care: The Revenue and Taxation Committee approved legislation (SB 36 and SCA 5) by Sen. Nicholas C. Petris (D-Oakland) to establish a health care system to cover all Californians, which would be financed by increased taxes. A 5-2 vote sent the two measures to the Appropriations Committee for more hearings.

Capital Fact

For the first time since 1964, there will be no voter initiatives on the June primary election ballot, according to the secretary of state’s office.