Assemblymember Holden Sworn In, Drafts First Bill

Assembly Member Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) was sworn in Monday as the representative of the new 41st Assembly District, and as the majority whip of the California Democratic Caucus.

Holden’s inaugural legislative effort, introduced Monday, is a bill addressing economic development and jobs creation, according to a press release from Holden's office. AB 9 points out that California workers and businesses face the harshest economic conditions since the Great Depression. Unemployment in California remains in double digits, the release states.

“We need jobs here and we need jobs now. AB 9 represents the first step in my commitment to creating jobs here in the 41st District, and in the State of California,” Holden said in a prepared statement. “I am honored to begin my service in the Assembly and will leverage all of my resources as a Member of the Speaker’s Leadership Team work to improve California’s economy.”

AB 9 works to develop, evaluate, and negotiate economic development policy. Holden has begun to meet with business and labor organizations, and with legislators from both sides of the aisle, to explore areas of cooperation and consensus.

Holden represents the new 41st Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Pasadena, portions of South Pasadena, portions of East Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, La Verne, Altadena, San Dimas, Claremont, and Upland. He previously served as a Councilmember and Mayor for the City of Pasadena, where he was first elected in 1989.