BILL NUMBER: AB 611 VETOED DATE: 10/12/2009 To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 611 without my signature. This bill would require the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) to consider multiple languages and needs of populations who have limited English language proficiency during emergency preparedness planning, response, and recovery. CalEMA already considers the needs of all California's citizens, including limited English populations, during emergency preparedness planning, response, and recovery. Not only does CalEMA's Public Information Office work with ethnic media and ethnic community-based organizations to ensure that this population receives disaster and emergency alert and warnings, CalEMA also provides instruction to emergency managers and first-responders that includes strategic consideration for populations with limited English proficiency. For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger