State Sen. John Laird warns that Watsonville Community Hospital is once again facing a financial crisis, with fewer than 10 days of cash on hand. Recently passed emergency legislation will provide $10.6 million in short-term relief to help the hospital stay afloat through July 1, he writes, but it is not a permanent solution. Laird argues that federal funding cuts have reversed years of financial progress and left community hospitals like Watsonville especially vulnerable. The hospital continues to seek a long-term partner to survive.
John Laird
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Remembering Mike Rotkin: He was my political partner for almost 50 years, he was like a brother
State Sen. John Laird remembers Mike Rotkin, who died last week from complications from leukemia.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
The Moss Landing fire – where do we go from here?
The battery fire at Moss Landing requires a complete, independent investigation, writes state Sen. John Laird, and the public deserves to know how the fire started, how future fires can be prevented and the possible health and ecological impacts of the fire. There are no lithium standards in California, he writes, but says if Vistra’s battery plant does get rebuilt in Moss Landing, “it should be with newer, safer technology.”
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
I’ve been elected to public office eight times – here are my top tips for new elected officials
State Sen. John Laird – who has spent four decades in politics, starting with his first term on the Santa Cruz City Council in 1982 – offers his advice to those just elected. His rules offer insight into the political process as we sort through the Election Day aftermath.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Laird: It’s a ‘simple act of fairness’ to approve cannabis dispensary at former Emily’s Bakery site
Despite school officials’ opposition, state Sen. John Laird supports the creation of a cannabis dispensary at the former Emily’s Bakery in Santa Cruz. In a Community Voices opinion piece, he outlines his reasoning and his historical connection to some of the partners in the project.
