June 5, 2006

Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Gutted

In spite of being one of the fastest growing regions in the State, the hopes of the Central Valley getting its needs addressed by Sacramento got dashed last week as a legislative conference committee at the State Capitol gutted the 5 million dollars Governor Schwarzenegger proposed for the Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.

 

In June 2005 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger created the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley (Partnership). The Partnership is a public-private collaborative charged with developing a strategic action proposal for improving the region.

 

The Partnership will complete an action plan by October 31, 2006 that will include comprehensive strategies for realizing the region’s economic development opportunities, as well as addressing its major challenges in air quality, water, workforce development, education, land use, and housing. Without the proposed 5 million dollars many of the critical projects and opportunities to improve the region will be missed once again.

 

Our elected delegation is banding together to attempt to reinstate the funding. Individual help is needed by sending letters supporting this important effort.

 

Contact Kerri Ginis, the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at (559) 495-4818 or kginis@fresnochamber.com