SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, was elected Chair of the Legislative Rural Caucus. Assemblymember Michael Allen, D-Santa Rosa, was elected as Vice-chair, and Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian, R-San Luis Obispo, was elected as the caucus Secretary.
“The
voice of California’s rural communities too often gets drowned out by
the urban areas that tend to dominate budget and policy conversations in
Sacramento,” said Assemblymember Olsen. “I’m honored to have been
elected by my colleagues to serve in this important position advocating
for rural residents across our state.”
Formed
in 2003, the Rural Caucus represents a bipartisan group of legislators
from both the Assembly and the Senate. Members of the Caucus author
legislation for the rural communities they represent and hold hearings
throughout the year on topics ranging from water rights and agricultural
interests to efficient health care access and adequate funding for
education.
"California's
rural communities are special places,” said Assemblymember Allen. “They
are home to many of the best things about our state, but they also face
some unique challenges. I look forward to working with my colleagues to
ensure that rural interests continue to get the representation they
deserve in Sacramento."
Assemblymember
Achadjian stated, “I look forward to working with Assemblymember Olsen,
and the rest of the caucus, to highlight issues affecting the rural
areas of our state and to preserve and improve the quality of life in
California’s rural communities.”
Olsen
is the Vice-Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee. She
represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes the communities of
Angels Camp, Bridgeport, Chowchilla, Hughson, Mammoth Lakes, Mariposa,
Modesto, Oakdale, Oakhurst, Riverbank, Sonora, and Waterford.
Allen currently serves as the Assembly’s Assistant Majority Floor Leader. He represents the 7th Assembly District which includes all of Napa County and parts of Solano and Sonoma counties.
