With the concession of Republican Chris Norby in his Assembly race, Democrats, amazingly, now control both houses of the Legislature for the first time in 129 years. Couple that with their control of statewide offices -- up to and including the governor -- the Democrats are clearly in the driver's seat.
From the AP's Don Thompson: "A two-thirds majority in both houses is enough for Democrats to approve tax increases, pass emergency legislation, override gubernatorial vetoes, place constitutional amendments before voters and change legislative rules while ignoring Republicans."
"When the Legislature convenes next month, it will be the first time since 1978 that Democrats hold an Assembly supermajority, and it will be the first time since 1965 that they'll have a supermajority in the Senate."
"If this is what the voters statewide want, this is what they have," Norby said of the supermajorities. "But at the same time, we Republicans have to continue to offer a positive alternative, as well. I tried to do that working with Democrats on redevelopment, on marijuana law reform ... and also on education reform, as well, especially English-language learner program."
When it comes to state budget deficits, $1.9 billion may sound like a lot of money, but when you compare it with earlier shortages, it's a walk in the park.
From the Chronicle's Wyatt Buchanan: "After years of double-digit deficits, the state will face just a $1.9 billion budget gap next year, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. Projections for future years show billions of dollars in surpluses."
"The legislative analyst, Mac Taylor, called the situation a "dramatic turnaround" for the state, though he cautioned lawmakers to build a reserve and pay off other debts before spending heavily on services."
"But, definitely, this is a much, much more positive situation than we've faced in many, many years. On the whole it's pretty good news," Taylor said."
Speaking of Democrats and spending, a Long Beach lawmaker says he wants to triple vehicle-license fees, with voter approval. Somebody call Gray Davis.
From Nick Green in thed Torrance Daily Breeze: "The constitutional amendment would restore the 2 percent vehicle license fee slashed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after he won office partly on that pledge. The 1.35 percent transportation system user fee increase would generate an estimated $3.5 billion to $4 billion annually for roads and public transit in yet-to-be-decided proportions, Lieu said."
"Buoyed by the Democratic supermajority achieved just last week, Lieu, D-Redondo Beach, plans to introduce the legislation in either December or January. He envisions the Legislature will approve the amendment and place it before voters in November 2014..."
"Lieu's name will be on the same ballot, although his real election battle likely will be in the June 2014 primary. Vehicle license fees currently stand at 0.65 percent of a vehicle's value, so the increase would round that up to an even 2 percent."
California's first cap-and-trade auction concluded Wednesday, a critical and hotly contested piece of the state's law to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels within the next eight years.
From Capitol Weekly's John Howard: "It was kind of like eBay..."
"Who bought what won’t be known until Monday, but on the block were 21.3 million current credits available in 1,000-unit lots with a minimum bid of $10 per credit, which companies can begin using quickly, plus nearly 40 million credits available for use in 2015. Each credit is worth a metric ton of carbon emissions. As the auction got under way, credits were believed to be worth about $12 each, slightly above the floor, according to one market expert. That estimate is in line with earlier state projections, which placed the per-credit value at $10-to-$13."
"The complex auction, conducted entirely via computer hookups with industrial bidders under high security, is at the heart of the state’s attempt to cut climate-changing greenhouse gases to 1990 levels within the next eight years. Some 360 companies, including power companies and cement plants, that run about 600 industrial sites across the state were targeted for the initial auction, according to the Air Resources Board. The companies’ formal intent to bid had been submitted by the Nov. 7 deadline."
The election is over, the ballots are counted (mostly) and a newly elected lawmaker's thoughts turn to travel.
From the Bee's Laurel Rosenhall and Jim Sanders: "It's mid-November. The election is over, and the new legislative session has not yet begun. Perfect time for a lawmaker to take vacation – or go on an "educational" trip with some of the Capitol's most powerful interest groups."
"At least two dozen California legislators and some of the lobbyists who seek to influence them have fanned out across the globe this month to discuss energy, health care,international trade and other policy issues. Destinations for the talks? Hawaii, Brazil, China, Australia and New Zealand."
"Some of the trips are paid for by corporate sponsors, some by the officeholders themselves. Some involve legislators hobnobbing with foreign dignitaries on official state visits, while others provide the chance for lawmakers and lobbyists to socialize by the pool or on the golf course."
