Let's get California moving again

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently created the California Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery to get the economy growing again as quickly and safely as possible. As Assembly Minority Leader and a small-business owner, I was honored to be selected as a member of this critical team.

The coronavirus response has devastated California’s economy, including thousands of small businesses that employ millions. We slammed the brakes on the world’s fifth largest economy, and the most vulnerable have been hit the hardest.

While health and safety will come first, the 80-member task force will work toward quickly reopening California’s economy. To accomplish this, the governor has tapped a broad and experienced group that covers all geographic, business and nonprofit sectors. Prominent leaders in business, labor, health care, academia and philanthropy are included. The task force chair is Tom Steyer and includes ex-officio members of former governors, such as Wilson, Davis, Schwarzenegger and Brown, other government officials and prominent business leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger. For the complete list, visit https://bit.ly/2xPyvEl.

The task force will develop solutions that reflect the diverse communities that make up California. The recovery must be inclusive so every community, including rural and underserved areas, shares fully in the benefits. Our process will be robust, and we’ll be seeking insightful and practical solutions. Recommendations for reopening will be based on the governor’s six criteria, available at https://bit.ly/2S1B5hu.

We held our first meeting Wednesday, April 22. We will divide into 10 subcommittees, including small business, technology, workforce and financial, and I am currently reviewing potential committee assignments.

During times of crisis, public and private sectors have always come together to share risks, responsibilities and sacrifices. This crisis is no different. Millions of Californians are depending on us to come through. We need to start moving now.

Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.