Mark de Saulnier - State Assembly

State Assembly

In the June 2006 Democratic primary, DeSaulnier carried 52% of the vote against Laura Canciamilla and two other opponents. DeSaulnier was endorsed by the SF Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times., US Senator Barbara Boxer and California Senator Tom Torlakson. DeSaulnier won a decisive victory in the 2006 general election against Republican Arne Simonsen and Libertarian Cory Nott with 66% of all votes cast.

In the Assembly, DeSaulnier chaired the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committees on Growth Management and Air Quality. He was also a member of the Assembly Committees on Appropriations, Human Services, Rules and Labor and Employment.

DeSaulnier authored or co-authored over 40 bills during the 2007-2008 legislative session. His bills addressed truancy among school children, preschool access, suicide prevention, childhood obesity, reducing air pollution, smoke-free workplaces, and the creation of opportunities for at-risk youth.

One bill introduced by DeSaulnier, AB 1617, would have restricted tobacco smokers from purchasing tobacco products via the internet. The bill was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Another DeSaulnier bill, AB 2235, which would require that a biometric feature be incorporated into all new handguns sold in California to keep guns out of the hands of thieves and children. For this, DeSaulnier received an F rating from the National Rifle Association.

For the Live Earth concert in July 2007, DeSaulnier delivered the Democratic weekly radio address on steps people can take to reduce their carbon footprint.