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News From the Capitol
TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts
FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist
RE: News From the Capitol
I. BUDGET STALEMATE - LEGISLATIVE LEADERS CLAIM TO BE "FAR APART"
Several weeks ago, the powerful six member Budget Conference Committee, who is charged with reconciling the differences between the Governor's Budget, the Senate version of the Budget, and the Assembly version of the Budget, concluded their work. While the Conference Committee was able to act upon several hundred pages of Budget action items in its 300 page binders, they were unable to bring about decisions on some of the outstanding issues in the larger Budget debate. The large-scale decisions now fall to the legislative leaders who are termed, "The Big Five." The "Big Five" consists of Governor Schwarzenegger, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines. As you are aware, the state began its fiscal year without a Budget on July 1, and leaders are now locked in a debate over how to deal with the state's "structural deficit" which is projected to be around $5 billion next year. Republicans want to reduce the deficit by bringing expenditures more in line with revenues, which necessitates Budget cuts. Democrats, on the other hand, want to protect important proposals such as funding for education, health and welfare, and the correctional system.
The "Big 5" convened a meeting yesterday, which did not produce any further movement. In fact, Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines told the Sacramento Bee, "We are $2 billion apart." Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez is warning leaders to be ready to sacrifice part of the legislature's summer recess if a deal is not made on the state Budget by July 20.
You will recall that the Budget Conference Committee approved a $1 million augmentation to the Public Library Foundation (PLF), which, while not significant in its dollar amount, was seen by many in the legislature as a "symbolic move" to indicate the importance of the program during a tight Budget year. If the Governor approves the $1 million augmentation when he signs the 2007-08 Budget, the baseline figure for the PLF will be $22.3 million.
II. AB 1030-CABALLERO: LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH
AB 1030 by Assemblywoman Caballero, the former Mayor of Salinas, is part of a multiple bill package that she has titled her "Gang Prevention Kit" in order to assist at-risk youth. Specifically, AB 1030 would expand the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program to services targeted to young adults, 16 years of age and over, who are not enrolled in school. The program would allow these youths to receive adult basic literacy tutoring and related services. Recent research by the State Library indicates that only 618 youths, ages 16-19 were served by this program in 2005-06. The author believes this bill will create a better sense of awareness regarding the need to serve this critically underserved population.
CLA is in support of the measure, which recently had a hearing in the Senate Education Committee. The Education Committee Consultant recommended amendments that would strike language requiring that private fund contributions for the program be maintained at the same level as the year prior. The analysis states, "While it seems reasonable to require the local jurisdiction demonstrate a continuing fiscal commitment in order to access state funds, current law also requires a commitment regarding private funds. Regardless of the effort exerted, a local jurisdiction may not be in a position to compel private donations, contributions, or grants. Is it reasonable to hold a local jurisdiction responsible for maintaining the provision of private funds over which it has no control? Staff further recommends that the certification regarding maintenance of the level of private support be deleted from current law." The author agreed to accept the consultant's recommendations.
Earlier in the year, the author had been hopeful that she could secure a $2 million appropriation for the bill. However, due to the state's difficult fiscal climate, the bill does not contain additional funding, but rather, asks that the program be funded using existing resources within the current program. It is the author's intent to seek funding for the at-risk youth literacy program in future years.
The measure will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, July 16. If you have an interest in AB 1030-Caballero, please contact the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee via phone to indicate your support.
Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair (916) 651-4007
Senator Dave Cox, Vice Chair (916) 651-4001
Posted on July 10, 2007 5:16 PM | Permalink