Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Title: Jerome E. Horton Papers
Dates: 2001-2006
Collection number: LP497
Creator:
Jerome E. Horton, California Legislator
Collection Size:
8 cubic feet and 1 item
Repository:
California State Archives
Sacramento, California
Abstract: The Jerome E. Horton Papers consist of 8 cubic feet of textual records and one compact disc that reflect the political activities
and interests of Assembly Member Horton during his six years in the California State Legislature. They are organized into
four series: Bill Files, Caucus and Committee Files, Resolutions, and Press Releases. Horton was elected to represent the
fifty-first district in the California State Assembly as a Democrat on December 4, 2000. He easily won reelection to this
position in 2002 and again in 2004, completing his final term in the Assembly on November 30, 2006. Throughout his time in
the legislature, Horton took interest in issues related to tax law, small business, insurance, gambling, tobacco, youth violence,
health care, horse racing, and economic development.
Physical location: California State Archives
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
While the majority of the records are open for research, any access restrictions are noted in the record series descriptions.
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
[Identification of item], Jerome E. Horton Papers, LP497:[folder number], California State Archives, Office of the Secretary
of State, Sacramento, California.
Acquisition and Custodial History
The California State Archives received the Jerome E. Horton papers in a single transfer in 2006.
Jerome Edgar Horton was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on September 14, 1956 and grew up in Los Angeles County. He studied Accounting
and Finance at California State University, Dominguez Hills, graduating in 1979. Horton worked as an accountant for the State
Board of Equalization for over 20 years, specializing in business tax law and auditing. During this time he also served as
the Legislative Deputy and Business Tax Advisor for the 3rd District of the Board of Equalization and an Inglewood City Council
member. For several years he was involved in real estate sales and investments.
These experiences served Horton well when he was elected to represent the fifty-first district in the California State Assembly
as a Democrat on December 4, 2000. This district included the cities of Inglewood, Hawthorne, Lennox, Lawndale, West Athens,
Del Aire, Alondra Park, Gardena, West Compton, and Playa Vista. He easily won reelection to this position in 2002 and again
in 2004, completing his final term in the Assembly on November 30, 2006.
Throughout his six years in the legislature, Horton took interest in issues related to tax law, small business, insurance,
gambling, tobacco, youth violence, health care, and economic development. He was especially involved in authoring legislation
on horse racing, on topics such as establishing rules for satellite wagering facilities (AB401, Chapter 556, 2003), increasing
worker's compensation for jockeys and other staff (AB701, Chapter 40, 2004), and requiring the state to contract with the
University of California to perform equine drug testing (AB52, Chapter 179, 2005).
Horton served as a member of several committees during his time in the legislature. These included the Assembly Committees
on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media; Banking and Finance; Insurance; and Utilities and Commerce. He
served as chair of the Assembly Committees on Governmental Organization and Rules, and the Assembly Select Committees on California
Horse Racing and Gang Violence and Juvenile Crimes, in addition to his membership on a number of other Assembly Select Committees.
Horton was also a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Horton used his position as Assembly Member to initiate outreach programs in his community and throughout California. He spent
time mentoring high school students and leading economic development seminars. He also founded a local African American Leadership
Development Program to provide young African American students an opportunity to participate in leadership training, networking,
and mentorships with other members of the California legislature. He also served as a member of the California State Work
Force Investment Board, California Historical and Cultural Endowment Board, and the Medical Assistance Commission.
After leaving the legislature, Horton was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as the first African American to serve
on the California State Board of Equalization. He represented the third district, and upon joining the Board was immediately
voted to be vice chair. In 2010 and 2014 he was reelected to the Board, now representing the fourth district, and served as
chair of the Board from 2011 to 2016. His term expired in 2019.
The Jerome E. Horton Papers consist of 8 cubic feet of textual records and one compact disc that reflect the political activities
and interests of Assembly Member Horton during his six years in the California State Legislature.
Bill Files (2001-2006) make up the bulk of the collection at about 5.5 cubic feet and document legislation which Assembly
Member Horton authored or co-authored. They may include bill analyses, amendments and resolutions, author's statements, testimony,
press releases, editorials and newspaper clippings, correspondence, committee statements, and comments from affected agencies.
These files show Horton's close involvement in issues such as taxes, insurance, economic development, horse racing, health
care, youth violence, and cigarettes and tobacco. Not every bill that Horton authored is represented in these files. Included
at the end of the 2005-2006 legislative session are materials related to potential legislation that Horton was considering
but which did not become formal bills.
Caucus and Committee Files (2001-2006) include about 1.5 cubic feet of correspondence, meeting notes, brainstorming documents,
invitations, committee statements, newspaper clippings, presentations, and supporting materials assembled in the course of
Horton's work as a member of various caucuses and committees. Horton kept files for most, but not all, of the committees and
caucuses on which he served. Throughout his time in the legislature he was a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus,
for which several materials exist in this series. His previous career experience led to his membership on the Assembly Committees
on Banking and Finance and Insurance, also represented in these files. Of particular note are several files on the Assembly
Select Committee on Gang Violence and Juvenile Crimes, which Horton chaired during the 2003-2004 legislative session.
Resolutions (2001-2005) include five file folders of official notices, biographical and other background information used
to draft resolutions, and correspondence from community members and organizations requesting resolutions to honor individuals.
Horton honored several religious leaders and community activists with resolutions, especially from within his district. Organizations
that provided contributions to their communities were also honored, such as rotary clubs, fraternities, and high-performing
schools. Some resolutions have been issued jointly with the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Press Releases (2005-2006) make up one file folder of official statements issued by Horton's office defining his stance on
a topic or calling attention to particular legislation. They were often released in conjunction with the introduction, passage,
or vetoing of legislation. Topics include announcements of events that Horton would be speaking at or hosting, legislation
passing key committee votes, awards that Horton was to receive, and joint statements with other state and local officials
to support or oppose state and federal policies.
No further accruals are expected.
Related Material at the California State Archives
California Legislative Black Caucus records
Medical Assistance Commission records
State Board of Equalization records
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Horton, Jerome E.
California. State Board of Equalization
Horse racing - Law and legislation - California
California. Legislature. Legislative Black Caucus.
Indian Gambling