KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News-02/27/09 - Gov. Schwarzenegger Thanks Legislative Secretary Chris Kahn for Dedicated Service

02/27/09 - Gov. Schwarzenegger Thanks Legislative Secretary Chris Kahn for Dedicated Service

Announces Appointments of Michael Prosio as Legislative Secretary, John Moffatt as Chief Deputy Legislative Secretary

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today extended his deep felt gratitude to Chris Kahn for his unwavering service to the people of California. Following Kahn announcing his resignation, the Governor appointed Michael Prosio as deputy chief of staff and legislative secretary and announced the appointment of John Moffatt as chief deputy legislative secretary.

"Chris has been a tremendous legislative secretary and I want to thank him for his tireless and dedicated service. He was instrumental in getting the budget passed and has been an invaluable asset to my administration serving with the highest level of integrity. I deeply appreciate everything he has done for me and the people of California and I wish him nothing but the best in his future," said Governor Schwarzenegger.

"Mike's extensive legislative experience and deep understanding of state government procedures make him the perfect person to transition into this position. I am confident Mike will continue to work closely with the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, to implement policies important to me and all Californians." 

Prosio has over 15 years of experience in writing, analyzing and implementing legislative and regulatory proposals. He most recently has served as chief deputy legislative secretary in the Office of Governor Schwarzenegger since 2007 and previously held the position of deputy legislative secretary from 2006 to 2007. As chief deputy legislative secretary, Prosio has advised the Governor and his administration on labor, workers' compensation, political reform, and economic stimulus legislation and policy. He has also worked closely with the Governor and the legislature on budget proposals and legislation. Prosio previously served as assistant secretary for the Labor and Workforce Development Agency from 2004 to 2006.

Prior to that, he was the legislative director for the California Restaurant Association from 1997 to 2004, where he represented the statewide association on all legislative and regulatory advocacies and assisted its members in implementing and enforcing existing and new laws. From 1994 to 1997, he worked for the Department of Industrial Relations in the legislative affairs unit.

"I am honored Governor Schwarzenegger has given me this opportunity to keep on serving the people of this great state in his administration," said Michael Prosio. "I look forward to continue working with the Governor and the legislature on matters important to California."

Prosio, 36, of Roseville, earned a Master of Arts degree in state and local government from California State University, Sacramento and Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and history from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $147,900.  Prosio is a Republican.

The Governor today also announced the appointment of John Moffatt as chief deputy legislative secretary:

Moffatt, 32, of Lodi, has served as deputy legislative secretary in the Office of Governor Schwarzenegger since 2007. In this position, he has advised the Governor and his administration on energy, green chemistry, agriculture, alternative fuel, global warming, and water legislation and policy. Moffatt previously served as legislative director for the Office of Senator Poochigian from 2003 to 2006. From 2000 to 2003, he served as an assistant legislative director for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. In 2000, Moffatt also worked as an associate director for the California Farm Bureau. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law with a concentration in taxation policy and a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture policy from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $126, 048. Moffatt is a Republican.