Mike Feuer

Michael Nelson Feuer is a former American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 42nd Assembly District from 2006 to 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, Feuer has had a diverse career in public service, including roles as a city council member and city attorney in Los Angeles. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including healthcare, consumer protection, and civil rights.

Early life and career

Mike Feuer was born on May 14, 1958, in San Bernardino, California. He was raised in a Jewish family and attended San Bernardino High School, where he demonstrated academic excellence by graduating as valedictorian and serving as class president. Following high school, Feuer pursued higher education at Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree with honors, graduating magna cum laude and being inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He continued his education at Harvard Law School, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree with distinction, graduating cum laude.

After completing his education, Feuer began his legal career by serving as a judicial clerk for Justice Joseph Grodin of the California Supreme Court. He then practiced law at two law firms in California. In the late 1980s, he transitioned to public service, working as the issues and research director for Tom Bradley's second gubernatorial campaign. Bradley was notable for being the first African-American mayor of Los Angeles. Following this role, Feuer became the executive director of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, an organization dedicated to providing legal assistance to individuals in need, regardless of their background. During his tenure, he oversaw various initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable populations, including victims of natural disasters and Holocaust survivors seeking restitution. Feuer also contributed to legal education by teaching at the UCLA School of Law.

Legislative service

Feuer's political career in elected office began when he was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, where he served from 1995 to 2001. He filled a vacancy created by the election of Zev Yaroslavsky to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, defeating Barbara Yaroslavsky, the outgoing councilmember's spouse, by a significant margin. During his time on the City Council, Feuer chaired the Budget and Finance Committee and was involved in various initiatives aimed at improving city governance and public safety. He was instrumental in the establishment of Los Angeles' 3-1-1 non-emergency services system and authored several laws addressing gun violence prevention. Feuer was also a strong advocate for environmental issues, open government, and literacy programs for underserved communities.

In 2001, Feuer ran for the position of City Attorney but was narrowly defeated in the runoff election. Following this loss, he returned to private legal practice and continued to engage in public discourse through commentary in newspapers and public radio. His next significant political endeavor came in 2006 when he successfully ran for the California State Assembly, representing the 42nd District. He served in the Assembly from December 4, 2006, until November 30, 2012. During his time in the legislature, Feuer held the position of Majority Policy Leader and chaired the Assembly's Judiciary Committee.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his tenure in the California State Assembly, Feuer focused on a range of legislative issues that reflect his commitment to public service and advocacy for vulnerable populations. He authored numerous bills aimed at improving healthcare access and consumer protection. Notably, he wrote legislation that prevents health insurers from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that vulnerable families have access to necessary medical care. Additionally, he introduced a law mandating nursing homes to display their quality care ratings, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in elder care facilities.

Feuer was also a proponent of programs designed to protect the rights of seniors and low-income individuals. He supported funding for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which addresses concerns of abuse and neglect in nursing homes. His legislative efforts included the Reverse Mortgage Elder Protection Act, which requires lenders to provide comprehensive information about the risks associated with reverse mortgages, thereby safeguarding seniors from potential exploitation.

In the realm of public safety, Feuer authored legislation requiring individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles, aimed at reducing repeat offenses and enhancing road safety. He also championed the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act, which established a program to provide free legal representation to low-income Californians, promoting equal access to justice.

Feuer's legislative work extended to issues of civil rights and social justice. He supported measures ensuring equal treatment for same-sex couples and co-authored legislation that prohibits state contracts with companies engaged in significant business with Iran's energy sector, reflecting a commitment to ethical governance and national security.

In summary, Mike Feuer's career as a public servant has been marked by a focus on legislative initiatives that address healthcare, consumer protection, civil rights, and public safety. His experience in various roles, including as a city council member and state legislator, has shaped his approach to governance and advocacy for the communities he has represented.