THE SOUTHLAND, W

WAYN E GARDNER executive vice president

I I ERE we are in 1989, a new year Jl and a new beginning for our legislative bodies, particularly the State Assembly and Senate.

In looking at their activities for the 1987-88 year it is reported that the cost to run the legislature was $238 million. At that rate we really couldn't stomach all the legislation we are paying for.

Some 800/o of the almost 8000 bills introduced were special interest types. Again, it's probably just as well that we didn't get all the legislation we have been paying for.

In looking at the action taken, we find that the legislature did increase their own per diem and increased the allowable size of their staffs and consultants. Again by report, 35 consultants make more money than the Governor.

What the legislature didn't do was to resolve any of the Workers Compensation Insurance problems. We have the highest rates and rank 50th in claims paid to the workers based on state reports. The monies go for attorney fees and other costs, but not to the injured worker.

The legislature did not reform the unemployment benefits. They also did not resolve any road construction problems.

We were blessed with all the insurance initiatives because the legislature did not want to address the problems. There are other areas they didn't get into, such as water systems and infrastructure problems.

So what this says is that 1989-1990 are going to be interesting years. Some of the legislation that was introduced and filed in the last session will be back with us again. And there will be new bills as a part of that 8000 mentioned earlier.

As a member of the Lumber Association of Northern California or the Lumber Merchants Association of Northern California, you are a part of an organiza' tion that is constantly watching the new legislation, evaluating its potential effect on the lumber and building materials industry, and following any bill as it moves through the legislative process.

Western Building Material Association monitors all the legislation and is your voice in Sacramento. Through your association you will receive updates on legislation. From time to time you may be asked to write letters or even appear at a hearing on behalf of the industry. There is an old adage to the effect that "one who enjoys good sausage and good legislation should never observe the making of either." There are those who would disagree. Those are the letter writers. Those are the vocal ones who will appear before a committee or visit with their representative and the ones who will be observing the making of good legislation by taking part in shaping it. With respect to sausage, I watched my father make it many, many times and I never tasted any that was as good as his.

Taste the political fare, get involved through your association. You can be involved naturally through the two associations. Your help is always welcomed and vital to the well being of the industry. Another way of discovering that association membership doesn't costit pays.

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NORTHERTTI RAILROAD