The recent legislative failures to stop the Cadiz Water Project and to enact the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund sting a little more knowing that the JLBC hearing is just a few short days away (September 11)—a meeting that would rubber stamp a 50-year State Water contract before Delta tunnels amendments have been finished and reviewed by the Committee and before a detailed financial plan for the tunnels is available.
Instead of approving these two bills that would have benefitted the public trust, the legislature, fueled by MWD’s influence, are continuing to push through the JLBC hearing to put a rush order on tunnels construction.
What’s worse is knowing that MWD’s influence and the Resnicks’ political contributions are shaping the future of California water management; a future that is defined by water belonging to California’s elite, instead of California’s most vulnerable. Remember, Resnick-controlled Kern County Water Agency is helping to create the Finance Joint Powers Authority for the Delta tunnels. Remember, Resnick’s Paramount Farms uses more water than the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco combined, but Kern County Water Agency is only contributing 1/20 to tunnels construction costs. Stewart and Lynda Resnick want everyday urban water users to pay for a project that will benefit their business the most. They want to socialize the environmental and economic costs, and privatize the benefits of water transfers for themselves.
Over the next week, we must continue to aggressively call three key state legislators: Senator Holly Mitchell, Presidentpro Tempore of the State Senate Toni Atkins, and Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, and remind them to put the public trust, the public good, and the public interest first.
Senator Mitchell, who is a known and respected champion for social justice issues, isn’t making the connection of how limited control over water affects poor people in her district and throughout California in terms of higher water rates, property taxes, and environmental impacts. Help us, help her reach understanding!
Your call could have an enormous impact. Staffers will be tallying the calls they receive.
Senator Holly Mitchell, Chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee:
- Sacramento Office: (916) 651-4030
- Los Angeles Office: (213) 745-6656
President pro Tempore of the State Senate, Toni Atkins:
- Sacramento Office: (916) 651-4039
- San Diego Office: (619) 645-3133
Speaker of the Assembly Anthon Rendon
- Sacramento Office: (916) 319-2063
- Lakewood Office: (562) 529-3250
Tell these key decision makers:
“Your upcoming decision on the State Water Contract will impact taxpayers and our water throughout the entire State of California. I urge you to delay the informational hearing until all information regarding financing of the Delta tunnels has been provided to the legislature and public input can be given. It is irresponsible that legislators are expected to make an informed decision without access to contract amendments and no idea what the cost impacts would be for taxpayers and water ratepayers.”
REMEMBER! Once they hold this final hearing, they give up ALL legislative oversight on changes to the state water contract that will be in effect for the next 50 years. This contract change provides state water contractors a virtual blank check with no Legislative oversight on future projects like the tunnels.
We would also like to encourage as many supporters as possible to attend the hearing and speak during public comments.
MEETING DETAILS:
WHO: Joint Legislative Budget Committee
WHAT: A hearing for Department of Water Resources (DWR) to present information regarding the terms and conditions of the proposed water supply contract extension and amendments, including specific language regarding California Waterfix (aka Delta Tunnels) project
WHEN: Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, 10:00 a.m
WHERE: John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203), 925 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814