Democratic State Senator Delivers Schwarzenegger's Radio Address on Flood Package on Governor's Nickel

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

• Evidence of Post Partisanship Between Governor and Legislative Democrats
• But Reflects That Not a Single Republican Legislator Voted for Entire Flood Package

Governor Schwarzenegger Shakes Senator Machado's hand after signing flood package surrounded by Democratic legislators--and Gary Patton of the Planning and Conservation League on the left

By Frank D. Russo

Democratic State Senator Mike Machado, author of one of the flood bills passed by the legislature and signed into law delivered the weekly radio address of Governor Schwarzenegger on the flood package.

A bit unusual--but entirely understandable. Out of the 47 Republicans in the Senate, there is not one that voted for all of the bills in the package of six that he signed. In contrast, the Governor had his pick amongst a number of Democrats who could host his radio spot.

Not only did the bills pass due to Democratic votes--all of them were authored by Democrats. So, the bipartisanship--post-partisanship--or whatever you want to call it is between the Democrats and the Governor on this one. This one speaks volumes as to how far out of the mainstream the Republican gang in Sacramento is when it comes to this issue.

You can listen to the address in English or in Spanish.

Here is the transcript:

Hi, this is Senator Mike Machado filling in for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with another California Report.

This week the Governor signed a package of six bills to strengthen flood protection in California.

I was the author of one of those bills and I want to thank the Governor and my fellow legislators who helped us put these monumental reforms in place.

For too many years millions of people in the Central Valley have had to live in fear of floods.

But now we have crafted a comprehensive flood protection plan that protects our residents while also allowing our state to accommodate the growth we expect in the years ahead.

These reforms provide 200-year flood protection for urban developments in the Central Valley.