Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Visits SMWC
Santa Maria, Calif. — Monday, August 13, 2007 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Life Steps’ adult day health care center, Santa Maria Wisdom Center, to emphasize the need for state senators to vote in the long-overdue state budget.
Governor Schwarzenegger made a personal speech to Wisdom Center staff, participants and participant families. He spoke of the urgency to pass the state budget because California citizens, like the Wisdom Center participants, were directly suffering because needed funding was inhibited by the budget impasse. The budget, locked in stalemate, needs just one more vote to be passed.
California state senator Abel Maldonado of the 15th District, who broke ranks with recalcitrant Republican senators to vote for passing the budget, accompanied Governor Schwarzenegger to SMWC. Their visit demonstrated their commitment to the 339 adult day health care centers throughout California that reduce taxpayer burdens by offering a cost-effective, alternative means to the nursing homes that Center participants would otherwise be forced to enter. If the budget doesn’t pass soon, Santa Maria Wisdom Center may face closure.
Alice Reyes, SMWC director, lauded Governor Schwarzenegger and Senator Maldonado for their appearance and commitment. “I think [their] visit will get the budget passed,” she said.
Ms. Reyes also praised Governor Schwarzenegger for taking the time to speak to every staff, family and participant at the Center. Said Ms. Reyes, “He spoke to everybody at the Center. Very professional, smooth and great to have worked with. He really cares.”
Check out video clip of Governor Schwarzenegger’s visit:
http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/speech/7150/
Audio version:
http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/print-version/speech/7150/
Text version:
http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/print-version/speech/7150/
Online news article (KSBY):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20254982/
Online news article (Santa Maria Times):
http://www.santamariatimes.com/
Online news (SLO Tribune):
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/breakingnews/story/117021.html
Online news (KCOY):
http://www.kcoy.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=39C0BFAB-144A-46DD-BA23-389DE47A6E4F&gsa=true
Governor Schwarzenegger’s official Web site:
www.gov.ca.gov
Senator Maldonado’s official Web site:
www.senate.ca.gov/maldonado
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