Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Ortega will assist in helping the AQMD with legislative affairs. Ms. Sanchez was former staff person to Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh and Mr. Ortega was staff to Asssemblywoman Gloria Romero. After the November elections, the Democrats picked up two additional seats in the Assembly and one additional seat in the Senate, which brings them closer to a two-thirds majority. There is one leadership change in the Assembly. Scott Baugh, the former Minority Leader, has been termed out and has been replaced by Bill Campbell from Orange County .
Electricity is currently the dominating issue in Sacramento.
On January 3 the Governor directed the Legislature to form a special session to address the electricity crisis. Two bills have already been passed. The intent is to move quickly where the opportunity presents itself. Currently, there are no electricity bills which have air quality implications or consequences. The Governor introduced his Budget Proposal for 2001-2002 on January 10.