LOS ANGELES: A two day economic summit was held on Feb,1617. The purpose of the summit being to reach consensus around a package of reforms containing specific ideas for the state legislature.
Two days of presentations took place on a broad spectrum of issues including use of 10incentives 1o spur business, investment in vocational education and the need to reduce procedural delays in establishment of industry.
The policy debate took place in a politically charged atmosphere as the state’s major politicians sought to show case their participation in this important event. Potential statewide candidates saw the summit as a ready forum for airing their views to the media and winning attention.
Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, district director of the Farmers Home Administration and resident of Moreno Valley spoke out on two important issues. He said, “There was no discussion of agriculture and its worth.” Agriculture is a $17 billion industry in the state, but by the time it reaches the dining tables it generates five times that amount, because of processing and trucking. Dhillon said, “we are blessed to have the natural resources to do it” He suggested that the summit should have taken up the question of states water supply and its effect upon agriculture. There was a need to provide financial assistance for women and minority farmers to start in the business.
Sardar Gurcharan Singh Dhillon a successful Sikh farmer grows raisins, olives and wine grapes said the industry should be supported and protected while it is sull vibrant.
On education and vocational training to impart economic vitality he supported the issue. Last year, there was a move local ¢expenditure on education “but I could Not support actual — it is the only way for a nation to prosper.”
In the summit remarks, Speaker Willie Brown called for more investment in transportation and other public works projects. The summit had a consensus on three main issues: Emphasis on higher education and vocational training; Reforms on workmen compensation; Increased cooperation between regulators and recipients, Regulators should try to use their discretionary authority to help the individuals.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 26, 1993
