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Doris Matsui
Representative of Californias 6
th
District
Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse
501 I Street, Suite 12-600
Sacramento, CA
95814-7305

Dear Representative Matsui,

As Im sure you know an initiative is gaining momentum that could radically
change politics in California. Im of course talking about the six state intiative to divide
California into six states: Jefferson, Northern California, Silicon Valley, West California,
Southern California, and Central California. It is still an initiative now but its possible it
could get on the ballot and win. While this is a state matter as of now if it reaches the
critical point it would be sent to Congress. Congress is the one that can approve the
creation of new states as the number of states directly affects how many Senators are in
Congress. I urge you to vote against this measure if it reaches you in Congress and to
collaborate with other California representatives to defeat this bill should it reach you. I
of course have already contacted Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer to
do the same but California must stand united in Congress or we will all fall.
The initiative says that it is for the good of California and that it will better the
democratic process however the truth is, is that it consolidates power in already affluent
areas and gives more power to the elites of Silicon Valley. The initiative if enacted will
destroy California State Universities, as the UC and CSU systems will no longer exist
putting into predicament the degree of anybody who attended these schools. As a student
at Sacramento State University I cannot stand idle by as some Silicon Valley elite who is
not in touch with the people destroy my education. I plan to attend some manner of UC
when I get older so I have a vested interest in the higher-level education system.
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The biggest contention that will arise, some say it already has risen, is the debate
over water. California is currently in a drought and the last thing we need is to create
more boundaries that hinder cooperation. Creating new states would subject water trading
to federal regulation and locations with higher income will be able to charge more for
water to create more profit at the expense of lower income folk. Silicon Valley is the
perfect example; the areas of Silicon Valley with affluent people will flourish however
the lower income folk who live in Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco will be
disproportionately affected.
It is for the reasons stated above that I urge you Representative Matsui to do
everything in your power to prevent this delusional fantasy from becoming a regrettable
reality. Im sure you know that Sacramento will not benefit positively from this initiative
and that should be enough to convince you to vote against this.
Sincerely,
Brandon Garcia