Sen. Michael Rubio, Shafter Democrat, Resigns; Joins Chevron

From the Capitol Morning Report:

SACRAMENTO – Senator Michael J. Rubio issued the following statement this morning:

“As many of you know, a little over a year ago I decided not to run for the United States Congress to meet the needs of my growing family. My time serving since then has been a blessing, but it has also been a challenge. I have missed too many family dinners, bedtime stories and parent-teacher conferences.

“My wife and I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, from whom we have learned a great deal. Our youngest child, who has special needs, has given me great perspective as to life’s priorities and our eldest has reminded me that the most critical decisions are made at home and not under the Capitol dome.

“I have realized that my current professional path has left little opportunity to be home for those who are most important to me, which is why I am making a change. Effective today, I am stepping away from my current position and resigning from the California State Senate.

“As for what’s next, I have officially accepted a position with Chevron Corporation to serve as manager of California government affairs. I look forward to transitioning into a career that will allow me to seize a generational opportunity and work for a respected California company with deep roots in Kern County near the very oil fields where I was born.

“I am truly grateful for the rare opportunity to serve and the support I have been given. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. In my absence, Senate staff will remain in the district and Capitol offices to respond to the needs of residents of the 16th State Senate District–as they have always done.”

Says Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, a Sacramento Democrat:

“I wish Senator Rubio the very best in his future endeavors. Michael is a good friend, a thoughtful policy maker, and his resignation is a tremendous loss to the Legislature, his constituents, and the State of California. 

“In the time he dedicated to public service, Michael was a champion for job-creation in the San Joaquin Valley and for protecting its core industries. 

“His work has always been guided by a well-grounded appreciation of life’s priorities — and his decision today is an appropriate reminder that some of our most critical decisions are made at home.”

(Editor’s Note: During his tenure in the Senate, Rubio has been critical of the state’s environmental quality act. He proposed unsuccessful legislation to simplify it. Opponents said Rubio’s measure weakened the 42-year-old law. Making compliance with California’s environmental laws easier — and less costly — is a  goal shared by the state’s business interests, including Chevron.)

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