Author: Emily Cohen

In the backdrop to the recent political fireworks on
the federal debt limit is a sobering reality: America is in the midst of a
national jobs emergency.  California,
struggling with 12% percent unemployment, is a perfect example of what’s
happening nationally. 

The August U.S. Labor Department
employment report showed anemic job growth. 
In July, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released what it called the
"brutal findings" in its "Small Business Outlook Survey" of more than 1,400
small business owners.  Nearly 65 percent
said they have no plans to hire in the next year.  "Economic uncertainty" was the primary
obstacle cited.

"Hard times" stories reverberate throughout the U.S.
construction industry, currently reeling with a 15.6 percent national unemployment
rate, 6.4 points higher than the national average.  In California, construction industry
unemployment hovers between 20 and 25%.  A
July national survey of transportation contractors by the American Road &
Transportation Builders Association found more than half of the respondents
operating below 75 percent capacity. 
Some reported the highway and bridge construction market is the worst
they’ve experienced in their lifetimes. 

Incredibly, the legislature was able to come together to pass a water package. Democrats and Republicans together. Farmers and environmentalists alike. North and South in agreement. Historic and implausible, yes. What it’s not… is done.

To accurately describe the package in its current state, we might include the following: nada, zero, zip. That is, unless we can get the voters to agree. Unfortunately,
California voters are frustrated and fed-up. Yet, these are the people who will be asked to trust the government with an $11.4 billion.

Is it good timing? No. Could there be worse timing? Probably not. But anyone plugged into California politics, policy, and history will tell you that it just might be the only time. When California has recovered from this recession (and we will) and has reformed the way we function, govern and balance our budget (and we will), California will still need water. Our children will need water. And their children will need water. This issue will not go away. It cannot be put off.