California’s first openly-gay legislator is sworn in to office as speaker of the state Assembly.

John Perez will now attempt to lower the state’s 12 percent unemployment rate and close a $20 billion budget deficit.

Perez, 40, says creating jobs and encouraging Democrats and Republicans to work together will be his top priorities, reports CBS.

Democrats have majorities in the Assembly and Senate. Perez is now the 68th speaker, eligible for four more years in the Assembly. He is filling the vacated position of Assemblywoman Karen Bass, who is running for Congress.

To read more on this story, visit CBS News.