Nunez elected speaker, names fiscal team

Assembly Member Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles), a true friend of public education, has been elected Speaker of the State Assembly.

Nunez has earned high esteem from teachers for his courageous battles on behalf of public education. "You are a tireless advocate for students, teachers, and public schools," CTA President Barbara E. Kerr wrote in a letter of congratulations. "Your hard work and support on legislation to reduce class sizes so that children get the one-on-one attention they deserve; your support of AB 356, the student testing bill; and your tireless efforts to ensure that schools get the resources they need attest to your commitment toward public schools and the students and teachers of California."

Nunez is the former political director for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and was the head of governmental affairs for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

After taking office on Feb. 9, Nunez told reporters that the state budget is a top priority. He has formed a new "Assembly Fiscal Team" to help the Legislature find solutions to the state's financial crunch in a timely manner.

Heading up the fiscal team are Assembly Members Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), John Dutra (D-Fremont) and Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento).

He also announced some of his committee appointments:

• Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles) will continue as chair of the Education Committee.
• Assembly Member Carol Liu (D-La Canada) will continue as chair of the Higher Education Committee.
• Assembly Member Steinberg will serve as chair of the Budget Committee.
• Assembly Member Chu will serve as chair of the Appropriations panel.
• Assembly Member Cindy Montanez (D-San Fernando) will serve as chair of the Rules Committee.
• Assembly Member Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood) will continue as chair of Labor and Employment.
• Assembly Member Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) will continue as chair of Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security.