Every year, dysfunction gets in the way of California lawmakers governing. Governing is tough, but it has to be done. Many people have said California is ungovernable –that there are too many competing interests; too many complicated, archaic regulations; too many insider political games.

But you know what? That’s the easy way out, because the truth is, governing is hard.

Governing is making the really difficult decisions. Governing is choosing to come together to take actions and create solutions. But California has a history of being tied up in gridlock and partisanship. With so many representatives elected on extreme partisan agendas, compromise has become scarce and pragmatic solutions a distant memory. As Lt. Governor, I will continue to fight for serious political reforms to get the people’s house back in order to ensure that Californians’ interests – not political insiders’ interests—come first.

Passing proposition 14 to institute an open primary voting system is a concrete example of a reform that will help get pragmatic, sensible leaders under the dome. When instituted, prop 14 will transform California’s broken political system by attracting open-minded leaders to Sacramento.

I also authored and voters passed Proposition 1F to reform lawmaker compensation, preventing them from receiving raises when our state faces a budget deficit. Additionally, I support the end of unemployment benefits for legislative members who have either termed out or lost an election.

With our state on the road to economic recovery, we need to start growing California, put partisan bickering and politics aside, focus on creating jobs and instituting effective reforms. By fighting for historic reforms like Proposition 14 and Proposition 1F, I have demonstrated that I will work for what’s best for the people of this great state and to hold lawmakers accountable so that they do the same. And I will continue to do everything I can to put Sacramento back into the hands of the voters.