The sun is shining across the golden state today. No, we haven't balanced our budget or spared public education from the Governor's budget axe. But today we're on our way to doing both as Karen Bass will be sworn in as Speaker of the state assembly.

She is the first woman and only the third African American to hold this position, following the controversial Willie Brown and the compromising Herb Wesson. In a few years we shall have an adverb for her service as Speaker.

One thing is clear, on her first day on the job, she is upping the ante on the issue of our state's antiquated tax system. The LA Timeshas published an opinion piece from her which calls for an independent commission of citizens charged with the duty of recommending a politics-free tax system overhaul.

She is asking that this commission take a year to do its work and does not want them to focus on solving this year's budget deficit in Sacramento. Their job is to focus on the long-term fiscal health of our once great state.

I'm proud to have volunteered for her back in 2004 when she ran for public office and I'll have to go find my sun tanning lotion if she does more of the same, making the sun shines any brighter.