The state began the new fiscal year without a budget, although the Legislature and governor
appeared close to a deal late yesterday. The Assembly had a lengthy floor debate, complete with discussions of
Bonnie Garcia's underwear and
Rick Keene's alien dreams, which was interrupted by a Big 5 meeting called by the governor. The meeting was quick and reportedly cordial, but there was no deal and no visit to the smoking tent.
From the U-T: "'He made it clear that there is not a linkage [between the budget and ballot measures],' [Senate Republican Leader
Dick Ackerman said, "and that his goal is to get the budget done as soon as possible.'"
"'They had a good meeting this afternoon, and the governor wants to continue that momentum,' [governor's spokesperson
Margita] Thompson said. 'That's why he has asked the leaders to stay over the weekend ... so that while we may not be able to make it (today), we can hopefully get something as soon as possible.'"
After the short meeting, Assembly Speaker
Fabian Núñez and Senate Pro Tem
Don Perata emerged to say that there wouldn't be a vote until after the long weekend. Núñez brought down the gavel, while the Senate went into caucus. Hours later, Perata emerged to say that
the Senate would stay and vote before the end of the fiscal year.
"'There was not one person that wanted to go home,' said Sen.
Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles). 'We are saying, 'Finish it. It can be done.' We just think it is the wrong message to leave on a holiday weekend when the budget isn't done.'"
Of course, there was the promise of one pretty good party down in LA Friday. And remember, Democrats already missed last year's national party convention due to budget negotiations. The Party Caucus was no doubt getting restless.
But the Senate stayed, leading to hours of captivating television, involving a live camera shot of an empty Senate chamber. In one of the stranger moves,
activists were invited to a "flashlight vigil" at 10 p.m. last night on the Capitol steps to show unity with Senate Democrats. We, unfortunately, were washing our hair, and could not attend.
"'We are not real sure what the point of the theatrics were, other than to possibly let them collect per diem for Friday by staying until after midnight,' [governor spokesman
Rob Stutzman said."
Speaking of which, remember that those nominations for
best political stunt are still being accepted!
The session
adjourned at 2:30 a.m., with plans to return at 11:00 a.m. today.
Dan Walters
says this month's Field Poll numbers may help motivate a budget deal. "That crackling sound you hear are branches breaking off the man who was dubbed the 'Austrian Oak' when he was dominating the world of bodybuilding. ... If Schwarzenegger's decline continues, it
calls into question whether he'll even seek another term next year, and if so, whether he can defeat any of the Democratic aspirants."
Literally, out of control: The state
lost control of the prison health care system yesterday, when federal judge Thelton Henderson issued an order "that a receiver take control of California’s stumbling prison health care system and correct the deplorable condition."
"'This is humiliating,' said
James Jacobs, a law professor at New York University and an expert on court intervention in prison management. 'What’s extreme here is it's like the judge is saying to the state, '
I'm totally giving up on you, you are unwilling or unable to do this on your own.'"
Apparently, federal judges
are real people, with the same lack of faith in state government.
From the
Roundup's Public Safety Department: If it rains today,
remember to turn on our headlights when using your windshield wipers. Congratulations to
Evelyn Berk of Menlo Park, who won
Joe Simitian's "Oughta Be a Law" contest by submitting the idea. Next time we get pulled over, we'll think of you, Evelyn.