CSU Names 2003 Legislators of the Year

(March 17, 2003) The California State University is honoring Bill Leonard and Robert Hertzberg on March 18, 2003, as the 2003 Legislators of the Year at its annual Legislative Day in Sacramento. They are being commended for their work in placing Proposition 47, the largest education bond to date, before California voters.

As joint authors of Assembly Bill 16, Leonard and Hertzberg moved past party differences to help Californians invest in their schools, colleges and universities. The success of Proposition 47-approved by 59 percent of the voters-and the upcoming March 2004 bond are largely due to Hertzberg and Leonard's diligent work with the Legislature, Gov. Davis, and the "Yes on 47" campaign.

The CSU Alumni Legislative Day, held every spring, is a key opportunity for the CSU's 23 campuses to come together in Sacramento and collectively deliver the message to policymakers that CSU provides the quality education, research and innovative programs that are indispensable to the future of California. Participants include CSU alumni leaders, campus representatives, donors and campus friends. The events will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center

Chancellor Charles B. Reed will give a "State of the CSU" presentation at Legislative Day. The keynote speech will be given by Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson, space shuttle commander and alumnus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, at the luncheon honoring former Assembly Member and Speaker http://www.calstate.edu/legday/bios.shtml Hertzberg and former Assembly Member and new member of the state Board of Equalization http://www.calstate.edu/legday/bios.shtml Leonard.

Bill Leonard served in the California Legislature for 24 years in both the Senate and Assembly. Leonard was the Senate Republican Caucus Chair from 1990 to 1996, and Assembly Republican Leader in 1997 and 1998. Leonard was considered one of the most knowledgeable members of the Legislature in K-12 education and teacher preparation, school finance, and state tax and budgeting policies. During his legislative career, Leonard distinguished himself as a thoughtful and pragmatic leader dedicated to ensuring that California kept its promise of opportunity through education, employment and economic development. When his legislative term ended, Leonard was elected to the state Board of Equalization, which administers the state's tax system. Leonard earned his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine, and studied political science at California State University, Sacramento.