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SENATE FISCAL COMMITTEE APPROVES LIBRARY BOND BILL - SENDS SB 1516 FORWARD TO THE SENATE FLOOR
Yesterday afternoon, the Senate Appropriations Committee met to consider its so-called "Suspense File." You may recall that the "suspense file" system is a process that has been implemented by the fiscal committees in each house, to allow the committees to annually prioritize each bill costing $150,000 or more (this year, $50,000). Several weeks ago, SB 1516 by Senator Simitian, was sent to the "suspense file" due to its significant costs. SB 1516 is sponsored by the California Library Association, and the measure seeks to place a $4 billion public library construction and renovation bond on the November 2010 ballot. Due to the state's dismal fiscal picture, we knew there would be a real possibility that the bond measure would be held in committee, despite its 2010 date. However, close to 2 p.m. today, the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to approve SB 1516-Simitian and send the measure on to the Senate Floor.
At the time of the roll call Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee asked if it would be a straight party-line vote, or if Republican Committee members wanted to vote in support. Vice Chair, Republican Senator Dave Cox then stated, "I'd like a roll call please." Voting in support of the measure were Democratic Senators: Tom Torlakson, Gil Cedillo, Ellen Corbett, Dean Florez, Sheila Kuehl, Jenny Oropeza, Joe Simitian, and Leland Yee. Republican Senators voting for the bill: Dave Cox and Bob Dutton. The bill passed out on a vote of 10-2.
SB 1516-Simitian will be taken up on the Senate Floor some time in the next two weeks. Please take a minute today to contact your individual Senator(s) via phone or by letter, to encourage him or her to support the library bond when it is before them on the Floor. This bill requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate for passage, thus, your help in contacting legislators of both parties is urgently needed. In addition, if your Senator was one of the members who supported the bond measure in committee today, please call them to express your thanks.
TAKE ACTION! We appreciate your help!
Submitted by Mike Dillon and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyists
Posted on May 23, 2008 7:45 AM | Permalink