July 30, 2003
| TO: | Cla Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts |
| FROM: | Mike Dillon, Lobbyist Christina Dillon, Lobbyist |
| RE: | News From The Capitol |
ASSEMBLY PASSES BUDGET - PLF INTACT
As you have read in the papers, the Assembly approved the Budget yesterday afternoon after being "locked up" for 29 hours. They were not even allowed to leave the chambers or the attached lounge to go back to their offices, with many, we have been told, sleeping on the floor or taking turns sleeping on the couches in Democratic lounge. When the first Budget vote was put up sometime before midnight Monday, there were only 45 of 54 votes necessary for passage, including 4 Republicans. At that point, Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson established the "lock up," and deal-making began in earnest to get the necessary 54 votes.
The deals involved to garner the necessary votes involved low wealth schools, redevelopment agencies, and counties. Assembly Members Joe Simitian and Lynn Daucher insisted on $50 million in fulfillment of earlier promises to equalize school spending over time; legislators concerned about the $250 million cut to redevelopment agencies were successful in getting that cut reduced to $135 million; Assembly Members from Orange County and Yolo County were able to get an extra $5 million for "county equalization," as the percentage of property tax going to those counties is among the very lowest in the State; several legislators close to law enforcement insisted on adding $19 million for the Rural Sheriffs Program, $17 million for Sheriffs Training Program, and restoration of $39 million for County Booking Fees. Together these items added almost $300 million to the Budget passed by the Senate on Sunday evening.
About 5:30 last night, the Assembly had passed the Budget and approximately 20 "trailer bills" required to implement the agreements and various provisions needed to fully implement the Budget. In the end, 45 Democrats and 11 Republicans voted for the Budget. Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson then thanked the legislative staff for working around the clock to put the Budget package together, and thanked both Assembly Republicans and Democrats for their ultimate cooperation in getting a Budget done. Amid applause, pats on the back, and hand shakes, the tired and weary Assembly Members left for their summer recess and will reconvene on Monday, August 18th.
Note: AB 1765, the Budget bill, is now being sent to Governor Davis for action. The bill contains $15.8 million in the baseline for the Public Library Foundation. If you haven't done so already, please take a moment and write or call the Governor and request that he keep the PLF funding at $15.8 million in the Budget. (The Governor has "blue pencil" authority and can reduce, eliminate, or retain countless items in the Budget bill.) Thank you for your help.