KEENE RECEIVES THE CIRCLE OF LIFE AWARD
BY THE CALIFORNIA RICE COMMISSION

The California Rice Commission announced that Assemblyman Rick Keene, R-Chico, is their Legislator of the Year and as such chose him to receive the "Circle of Life" Award for his fervent support of the needs of California's agriculture and rice community.  The annual Circle of Life Award recognizes individuals whose leadership parallels the rice industry’s mission to promote the well-being of the state’s environment, economy, cuisine and culture through the rice industry.

“It is a true honor to receive this award.  I have been proud to fight to preserve our agricultural families and businesses.  Even in a high-tech world, farming is the backbone of who we are as a State and of our future and present economic health," said Keene.

His most recent effort during his negotiations of our State's Budget, along with opposing new fees on our Ag businesses, was securing funding to eradicate the West Nile Virus plague in our State

Along with being a champion against higher taxes and regulatory burdens on our farmers, Keene fought hard to fund investment in stopping the advance of the advancing West Nile Virus threat.

"Mosquito-borne viruses threaten more Californians each year.  We must ensure that West Nile Virus funding continues yearly or we will face a monumental catastrophe.  Action to protect our children and elderly must be taken now and must persist, to stay ahead of this plague” said Keene.    

Last year, Keene cast the lone “no” vote against the Budget Conference Committee’s recommendation to decrease funding from $12 million to $3 million.  These funds benefit local mosquito control districts’ fight against the West Nile Virus. Upon Keene’s opposition and urging to reexamine the funding, the Committee finally voted to restore full funding.

Already this year, a bird in Santa Clara County tested positive for West Nile Virus.  The virus normally does not appear until later in the spring.  In 2005, the California Department of Health Services reported 928 human cases of West Nile Virus with 18 related fatalities. 

The California Rice Commission represents rice growers statewide and assists with market development, research, and outreach programs. 

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