Local Assemblyman Perez Appointed As Democratic Whip

State Assembly Speaker John A. Perez appointed local Assemblyman Manuel Perez to the position of Democratic Whip. The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of the California State Assembly’s 2013-14 session.

“There is a lot of work to be done to keep the economy growing and get our communities back to work,” said Prez, “and as a senior member of the Legislature entering my third and final term, I am pleased to be bringing my policy skills to bear as a member of the Speaker’s leadership team.”

As a member of Democratic leadership, Prez will no longer serve as the committee chairman of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.

Prez was also nominated by his peers to serve as Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. As Vice Chair, Prez will work closely with State Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair, to set the direction and priorities of the Caucus. The Vice Chair serves a one-year term.

Among his first actions of the 2013 session, Prez introduced AB 28, a bill that adds accountability and transparency measures to the California Enterprise Zone program, a state program designed to attract business investment and support job creation in low-income communities. Since his election to the State Assembly in 2008 and throughout his tenure as chair of the Assembly Jobs Committee, Prez has been a vocal advocate to protect and strengthen this economic development program.