July 16, 2004
| TO: | CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts |
| FROM: | Mike Dillon, Lobbyist Christina Dillon, Lobbyist |
| RE: | NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL |
I. BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FINISHES ITS WORK BUT LEAVES THINGS RATHER UNFINISHED
Shortly before noon today, the Budget Conference Committee convened to close out and vote on a list of hundreds of "open items" that had been left up in the air since the Committee last met, more than one month ago. Poking fun at the lengthy inactivity of the Conference Committee, Conferee Senator Ross Johnson said, "I feel a little like I'm back at my high school reunion because I haven't seen all of you in so long." Then, amidst laughter, he shifted his comments to a more serious nature, stating, "I understand the 'reunion committee' has planned a little entertainment today, a little skit, a little political theater - pretending to pass a Budget today." Conferee Assemblyman Rick Keene added, "With the vast majority of issues still outstanding, this seems like a futile exercise. We're assuming a $1.5 billion (actually $1.3 billion) contribution from local government, that is just vapor right now..we're assuming those things are in the Budget right now when they are not." Keene added, "We don't have a deal."
In under a half an hour, the Conference Committee ultimately passed the Conference Committee Report on a vote of 4 (Democrat members) to 2 (Republican members) and thus, will begin the process of drafting a Budget bill to be voted on by each house, possibly next Tuesday. It is assumed by many that without agreement on the larger outstanding issues pertaining to the Budget, there will not be sufficient votes to pass the Budget next week.
The major items still subject to "Big 5" negotiation that are holding up final resolution of a Budget are: the local government agreement, Republican requests to repeal the so-called "Sue Your Boss" law which allows employees to sue employers for labor violations, and the repeal of a measure that currently bans schools from contracting out with private companies for the provision of services, such as school bus drivers.
II. CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARIAN - SUSAN HILDRETH
Like many of you, we were delighted to hear the news late yesterday afternoon that Governor Schwarzenegger has appointed CLA President, Susan Hildreth as the State Librarian, replacing Dr. Kevin Starr, who retired earlier this year. In the press release issued by the Governor yesterday, he states, "I am confident that Susan will continue the tradition of inspiring, educating, and informing Californians through the tremendous resource of our state libraries. She shares my commitment to education and to preserving our state's rich cultural heritage and I know she will use her tremendous experience as a librarian to enhance and strengthen California's public libraries."
Susan had received the ringing endorsement of several esteemed politicians and public figures. And she was pleasantly surprised to receive a personal call from First Lady, Maria Shriver last week, who spoke to Susan about the position. This call was then followed by a personal meeting on Monday with the Governor himself, and his Chief of Staff. Not too shabby, Susan!
We are pleased that such an engaging and hard working individual, who has given so much time and energy on behalf of the California Library Association and the library community in general, is being recognized in such a marvelous manner. We look forward to continuing to work with Susan in her new capacity!