Dear Friend,

Senate District 31 has many amazing characteristics but it is its citizens that make it a truly remarkable place to live.

I was delighted to co-sponsor and attend the Tecnificate workshop at RCC's Landis Auditorium on Saturday, April 27. Tecnificate is a Spanish-language workshop helping small business owners leverage Internet technology to grow their business.

The event was attended by nearly 250 people and was a prime example of how public and private entities can work together to encourage small business ownership and growth. Effective use of technology is critical for small businesses to maximize their opportunities and to compete in the global economy.

Also on Saturday, April 27, I attended the Medal of Valor ceremony honoring Corona Firefighters Don Remp, Rex Vahovick and Ralph Davis for extreme bravery and disregard for their own safety above the call of duty.

Thirty six years ago, these three men responded to an emergency where 18-year-old Rodney Allen Waltzingham had fallen down a manhole and into a sewer filled with toxic gas. The rescue became a dramatic experience for the Corona Firefighters as they each slowly began to succumb to the gas and courageously fought to keep each other alive.

The incident has since become a standard for firefighters' training, and the amazing courage displayed by Mr. Remp, Mr. Vahovick and Mr. Davis is a true point-of-pride for our community. It represents the everlasting nature of public safety and one of the most basic tenets of public service: putting others before oneself.

On Tuesday, April 30, the Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 801, a bill I authored to hold state officials accountable to provide accurate financial reporting and statements.

Senate Bill 801, would require that any person responsible for auditing the accounts of a state agency who knowingly misrepresents any state financial or statistical reports be held criminally liable.

Any person having the responsibility of managing money belonging to the people of California should fully be responsible for their work. The message to state officials is simple - if you lie about how much taxpayer money you have or where you have it, you face criminal and civil consequences.

SB 801 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

If you'd like to read the proposed legislation, click here.

It is always an honor to serve you.

Respectfully,

RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District