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| '''Robert S. Huff''' (born September 9, 1953) is a ] ], who is the ] ] Leader, having assumed the post on January 5, 2012. Since December 1, 2008, he has represented the Senate's ], which includes portions of ], ], and ] ]. | '''Robert S. Huff''' (born September 9, 1953) is a ] ], who is the ] ] Leader, having assumed the post on January 5, 2012. Since December 1, 2008, he has represented the Senate's ], which includes portions of ], ], and ] ]. | ||
| A resident of Diamond Bar, California, he served on its City Council from 1995 to 2004 and was Mayor in 1997 and 2001. Huff won the 2004 Assembly election to succeed the term-limited Bob Pacheco and was reelected in 2006. He won the 2008 election to succeed the term-limited Bob Margett for the 29th district in the California State Senate. In 2012, he was elected to succeed the term-limited Bob Dutton as Senate Republican Leader. | |||
| ==Education, business background, and early political career== | |||
| Huff comes from a family of farmers in California. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from ], and his professional background is in grain handling and commodity wholesaling. He has lived in Diamond Bar since 1983. In Diamond Bar, he became involved in local transportation issues, serving on the Four Corners Transportation Policy Group, Foothill Transit, and the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority. He served on the Diamond Bar City Council, and was mayor from 1997 to 2001. | |||
| ==Education and professional life== | |||
| ==State government== | |||
| Born in Calexico, California, Huff grew up on his family's farm in the Imperial Valley. Huff attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where in 1975 he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, graduating with honors. | |||
| Huff won the 2004 Assembly election to succeed the ] ] and was reelected in 2006. He was a member of the California State Assembly from 2004 to 2008. | |||
| Most of his professional and business experience has been in the agricultural industry. Working through the ranks to become the youngest vice president in a grain handling corporation, he became manager-owner of the Ray S. French Company, an independent commodity wholesaler, shortly after he moved his family to Diamond Bar in 1983. | |||
| He won the 2008 election to succeed the term-limited ] for the ] in the ]. In 2012, he was elected to succeed the term-limited ] as Senate Republican Leader. He is now Republican party leader in the senate. His current term runs until 2016, when he will not be able to run for reelection due to term limits. | |||
| Bob Huff and his wife Mei Mei live in Diamond Bar. Combined, they have three sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren. | |||
| In state government, Huff has been active as an author of legislation affecting K-12 education. He is an advocate of charter schools, school choice, and standardized testing.<ref name="SB172"></ref> He is a member of the Senate Education Committee, as well as several other committees not related to education. He opposed a state testing plan that would reduce testing; the plan led to threats by the Obama administration to impose financial penalties on the state.<ref> http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-state-senate-approves-testing-20130910,0,6302993.story</ref> | |||
| ==Community service== | |||
| In a state government that is extremely divided along partisan lines, Huff has a reputation as a moderate Republican. According to the LA Times, "Senate Republican leader Bob Huff of Diamond Bar was more pragmatic, given his party's weakened political position in Sacramento. Brown 'is the most conservative of the three leading Democrats in Sacramento,' Huff said."<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-brown-budget-20130615,0,7037615.story</ref> Huff has worked with Brown on issues such as California's prison crisis.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-jerry-brown-prison-plan-20130827,0,4459918.story</ref> His voting record, however, shows him voting repeatedly against Democratic initiatives in the Democratic-majority state government.<ref>http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/16575/robert-huff</ref> | |||
| Prior to serving on the Diamond Bar City Council, Huff served on the Diamond Bar Planning Commission, the Diamond Bar General Plan Advisory Committee, and was a founding member of the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority. He is also a member of Walnut Valley Rotary Club and former member of the Diamond Bar Improvement Association and Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce. | |||
| With a focus on transportation issues, Bob Huff was Diamond Bar's delegate to the Four Corners Transportation Policy Group and was Vice President of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. He was President of the Foothill Transit Executive Board, and founding Chairman and Executive Board Member of the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority (ACE). | |||
| ==Positions and affiliations== | |||
| On education, his trademark issue, Huff is considered a strong supporter of higher education<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/2065/rating/6272</ref>, but receives low ratings from teachers' unions.<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/1537/rating/6626</ref> On business and labor issues, he was rated 100% by the California Chamber of Commerce<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/1019/rating/6078</ref> and 8% by the the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO.<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/1594/rating/6713</ref> He opposes abortion, and has received a 100% rating from Life Priority Network<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/353/rating/6222</ref> and a 0% rating from Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/224/rating/6627</ref> | |||
| He has voted against high-speed rail. He supports gun rights and opposes gun control, and has received a 92% rating from the NRA.<ref>https://votesmart.org/interest-group/1034/rating/6568</ref> | |||
| ==Legislative leadership== | |||
| In 2008, his largest campaign donors were Eli Lilly, Farmers Insurance, California Association of Realtors, California Dental Association, Veolia Transportation, and PG&E.<ref>http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?c=97947</ref> The top industries donating to his campaign were real estate ($91,000) and insurance ($45,000). Despite his low ratings from organized labor, he received $30,000 from public sector unions. | |||
| Huff serves as Senate Republican Leader, having previously held the position of Republican Caucus Chair and is the primary Senate Republican negotiator for all state budget issues. | |||
| In the Assembly from 2004–2008, Bob Huff also held leadership positions of Whip, Republican Caucus Chairman and Vice Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus. | |||
| ==Committee membership== | |||
| The Senate Republican Leader currently serves on the Senate Education Committee and is the past Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee. He also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Senate Rules. | |||
| In addition, Huff serves on the Select Committees of Asian Pacific Islander Affairs, California Job Creation and Retention, California’s Horse Racing Industry, Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery and High-Speed Rail. | |||
| Huff's Sub-Committee assignments include: Education: Sustainable School Facilities and Education: Policy Research | |||
| ==Legislation== | |||
| Bob Huff is known for advocating accountability and reform in California public schools. | |||
| Huff has had legislation signed into law guaranteeing more funding for public charter schools. He has also led efforts to continue the Standard Testing and Reporting (STAR) program for second graders, and fought for parents' right to choose the best school for their children. Huff has been a leader in expanding school choice for parents and students, including two re-authorizations of the School District of Choice program, the creation of the Open Enrollment Act and the nationally recognized "Parent Trigger" law. | |||
| In 2010, Huff had legislation signed into law that protects private after school programs that tutor children in schoolwork, as well as teach foreign language and culture. | |||
| He got SB 161<ref>http://district29.cssrc.us/content/sb-161-signed-law-despite-union-opposition</ref> signed into law in 2011, which allows trained volunteers to administer emergency medication to students with epilepsy when they suffer a seizure at school. | |||
| The Senate Republican Leader also successfully authored SB 669<ref>http://district29.cssrc.us/content/huff-bill-expand-access-life-saving-medication-signed-law</ref> during the 2013 legislative session, which enables California to join a growing group of states that properly trains volunteers to administer EpiPens to children or adults who suffer a potentially fatal allergic reaction, without facing civil liability for trying to save a life. | |||
| ==Rankings, awards and recognition== | |||
| Senator Huff has been recognized as Legislator of the Year by the League of California Cities, the California Charter Schools Association, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, the California Business Properties Association, the American Council of Engineering Companies, California, the Red Cross and the Inland Empire Caucus, which serves citizens with disabilities. He was recognized for his efforts to protect local control, his legislative work on behalf of the industrial real estate industry and his tireless efforts to improve the business and jobs climate in California. California Parents for Public Virtual Education presented Senator Huff with the Golden Apple Award in 2012 and he was also recognized as the 2011 Job Champion by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. | |||
| In addition, the California Epilepsy Foundation recently named three fellowships in honor of Senator Huff at UCLA, USC and Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for his work on behalf of students with epilepsy. The Children’s Specialty Care Coalition also recognized Senator Huff with an award for his work on behalf of children with special health care needs. | |||
| Senator Huff was awarded the 2005 Local Distinguished Service Award in Transportation from the American Public Transit Association and the Outstanding Community Leader of 2005 by the Boy Scouts of America Old Baldy Council. In 2000, he was recognized by The Los Angeles Times as one of the "Most Influential People" for his work in shaping the Inland Valley communities. | |||
| Senator Huff has also been recognized for his dedication to a lean, efficient and transparent government to provide society’s needed services, while fostering a job-creating climate to generate needed revenues for “safety net” from more jobs, not higher taxes. This work is reflected in 100% vote rankings from the California Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California Chamber of Commerce, California Farm Bureau Federation and California Manufacturers and Technology Association. | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
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| Bob Huff | |
|---|---|
 | |
| California State Senate Republican Leader | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Dutton |
| California State Senate Republican Caucus Chair | |
| In office August 1, 2009 – January 5, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | George Runner |
| Succeeded by | Tom Harman |
| Member of the California State Senate from the 29th district | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office December 1, 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Margett |
| California State Assembly Republican Caucus Chair | |
| In office December 8, 2006 – November 30, 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Greg Aghazarian |
| Succeeded by | Cameron Smyth |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 60th district | |
| In office December 6, 2004 – November 30, 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Pacheco |
| Succeeded by | Curt Hagman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1953-09-09) September 9, 1953 (age 71) Calexico, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mei Mei Ho Huff |
| Residence(s) | Diamond Bar, California |
| Alma mater | Westmont College |
| Occupation | Agriculture Businessman |
| Website | Senator Bob Huff |
Robert S. Huff (born September 9, 1953) is a U.S. politician, who is the California State Senate Republican Leader, having assumed the post on January 5, 2012. Since December 1, 2008, he has represented the Senate's 29th District, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.
A resident of Diamond Bar, California, he served on its City Council from 1995 to 2004 and was Mayor in 1997 and 2001. Huff won the 2004 Assembly election to succeed the term-limited Bob Pacheco and was reelected in 2006. He won the 2008 election to succeed the term-limited Bob Margett for the 29th district in the California State Senate. In 2012, he was elected to succeed the term-limited Bob Dutton as Senate Republican Leader.
Education and professional life
Born in Calexico, California, Huff grew up on his family's farm in the Imperial Valley. Huff attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where in 1975 he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, graduating with honors.
Most of his professional and business experience has been in the agricultural industry. Working through the ranks to become the youngest vice president in a grain handling corporation, he became manager-owner of the Ray S. French Company, an independent commodity wholesaler, shortly after he moved his family to Diamond Bar in 1983.
Bob Huff and his wife Mei Mei live in Diamond Bar. Combined, they have three sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.
Community service
Prior to serving on the Diamond Bar City Council, Huff served on the Diamond Bar Planning Commission, the Diamond Bar General Plan Advisory Committee, and was a founding member of the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority. He is also a member of Walnut Valley Rotary Club and former member of the Diamond Bar Improvement Association and Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce.
With a focus on transportation issues, Bob Huff was Diamond Bar's delegate to the Four Corners Transportation Policy Group and was Vice President of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. He was President of the Foothill Transit Executive Board, and founding Chairman and Executive Board Member of the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority (ACE).
Legislative leadership
Huff serves as Senate Republican Leader, having previously held the position of Republican Caucus Chair and is the primary Senate Republican negotiator for all state budget issues.
In the Assembly from 2004–2008, Bob Huff also held leadership positions of Whip, Republican Caucus Chairman and Vice Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus.
Committee membership
The Senate Republican Leader currently serves on the Senate Education Committee and is the past Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee. He also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Senate Rules.
In addition, Huff serves on the Select Committees of Asian Pacific Islander Affairs, California Job Creation and Retention, California’s Horse Racing Industry, Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery and High-Speed Rail.
Huff's Sub-Committee assignments include: Education: Sustainable School Facilities and Education: Policy Research
Legislation
Bob Huff is known for advocating accountability and reform in California public schools.
Huff has had legislation signed into law guaranteeing more funding for public charter schools. He has also led efforts to continue the Standard Testing and Reporting (STAR) program for second graders, and fought for parents' right to choose the best school for their children. Huff has been a leader in expanding school choice for parents and students, including two re-authorizations of the School District of Choice program, the creation of the Open Enrollment Act and the nationally recognized "Parent Trigger" law.
In 2010, Huff had legislation signed into law that protects private after school programs that tutor children in schoolwork, as well as teach foreign language and culture.
He got SB 161 signed into law in 2011, which allows trained volunteers to administer emergency medication to students with epilepsy when they suffer a seizure at school.
The Senate Republican Leader also successfully authored SB 669 during the 2013 legislative session, which enables California to join a growing group of states that properly trains volunteers to administer EpiPens to children or adults who suffer a potentially fatal allergic reaction, without facing civil liability for trying to save a life.
Rankings, awards and recognition
Senator Huff has been recognized as Legislator of the Year by the League of California Cities, the California Charter Schools Association, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, the California Business Properties Association, the American Council of Engineering Companies, California, the Red Cross and the Inland Empire Caucus, which serves citizens with disabilities. He was recognized for his efforts to protect local control, his legislative work on behalf of the industrial real estate industry and his tireless efforts to improve the business and jobs climate in California. California Parents for Public Virtual Education presented Senator Huff with the Golden Apple Award in 2012 and he was also recognized as the 2011 Job Champion by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, the California Epilepsy Foundation recently named three fellowships in honor of Senator Huff at UCLA, USC and Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for his work on behalf of students with epilepsy. The Children’s Specialty Care Coalition also recognized Senator Huff with an award for his work on behalf of children with special health care needs.
Senator Huff was awarded the 2005 Local Distinguished Service Award in Transportation from the American Public Transit Association and the Outstanding Community Leader of 2005 by the Boy Scouts of America Old Baldy Council. In 2000, he was recognized by The Los Angeles Times as one of the "Most Influential People" for his work in shaping the Inland Valley communities.
Senator Huff has also been recognized for his dedication to a lean, efficient and transparent government to provide society’s needed services, while fostering a job-creating climate to generate needed revenues for “safety net” from more jobs, not higher taxes. This work is reflected in 100% vote rankings from the California Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California Chamber of Commerce, California Farm Bureau Federation and California Manufacturers and Technology Association.
References
- http://district29.cssrc.us/content/sb-161-signed-law-despite-union-opposition
- http://district29.cssrc.us/content/huff-bill-expand-access-life-saving-medication-signed-law
