New Assemblywoman Beth Gaines finally was sworn in to office Thursday, more than a week after her election – but don't trot out conspiracy theories about Democrats trying to keep her away.
Sen. Ted Gaines, her husband, said Assembly Democratic leadership did not stall at seating the Roseville Republican.
After her election May 4, the Assembly held two other floor sessions. The first was two days after balloting, too soon for the Gaineses to ensure that relatives and friends could attend a swearing-in. The second was Monday when Assembly chambers promised to be crowded for an annual ceremony honoring Latino newsmakers.
Thursday was more practical, Ted Gaines said.
In her acceptance speech, Beth Gaines stressed easing regulation on businesses and bolstering private sector employment.
"Time is wasting, and I'm ready to serve," she concluded.
Because it was the only vacant Capitol office, Beth Gaines was relegated to what is known as the Assembly "doghouse," a shoebox-size office of only 391 square feet that the Assembly speaker historically has assigned as punishment to lawmakers who have angered the leader.
The doghouse suits her just fine, she said.
"I love it," she said. "I've never had an office at the Capitol. I'm honored to be here. I love that office. I'm happy in it."
– Jim Sanders
BILL WATCH
Funeral homes that promote their services on the Internet would have to post their prices online under legislation passed by the Senate on Thursday. State law already requires funeral directors to provide a general price list detailing the cost of caskets and other services. Senate Bill 658, which extends those requirements to funeral home websites, now goes to the Assembly.
– Torey Van Oot
WORTH REPEATING
"The High-Speed Rail Authority does not need 'spin' at this time. It needs management."
SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM DARRELL STEINBERG, D-Sacramento, who says legislators will seriously consider the Legislative Analyst's Office recommendations on the rail authority and that he would start with its $1.8 million public relations contract
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