Copyright© 2000 by School Services of California, Inc.
More of Same for Sacramento as
Democrat Margins Widen in Senate and Assembly
Dozens of hard fought campaigns across the state did little to change Sacramento's status quo November 7, 2000, as Democrats strengthened their majorities in both houses of the Legislature, but fell short of the two-thirds majorities needed to pass budgets or override vetoes unilaterally.
In the Assembly, although only one seated legislator was ousted (Independent Audie Bock from the Democratic stronghold of Oakland), Democrats picked up more than their share of seats vacated by term limits or by legislators running for higher offices. Last year's 47-32-1 split was widened to a 50-30 Democratic edge.
In the Senate, the Democrats picked up one seat-increasing their margin to 26-14, as Assembly Member Tom Torlakson ousted incumbent Senator Richard Rainey in an expensive East Bay race between two popular veterans.
Several key education supporters who were facing tough elections (or reelections) all prevailed-Senator Dede Alpert (D-San Diego), former chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator-elect Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch), former member of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education, and Susan Davis (D-San Diego), leaving the Assembly for the House of Representatives.
The elections also saw the farewell-at least for now-of such pro-education stalwarts as Kerry Mazzoni, former chair of the Assembly Education Committee; Ted Lempert, former chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee; Cathie Wright, longtime member of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education; Senator Teresa Hughes, long-time advocate and reformer (remember SB 813?); Steve Baldwin, former chair of the Assembly Education Committee; Denise Ducheny, chair of the Assembly Budget Committee; and veteran of the Budget Education Subcommittee; and Adam Schiff of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education.
But since there was no qualitative change in the balance of power, with either the Republicans taking over a house or the Democrats reaching a two-thirds majority, the significance of this election is likely to play out down the road.
How will the winners influence the legislative process in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C?
What changes will come to pass through the absence of their predecessors?
What issues will be boosted-or battered-as a result of new people in new places?
A few predictions:
The move of San Diegan Susan Davis from Sacramento to Washington can only increase the chances for increased federal funding for special education. As no one who witnessed the process will ever forget, Assembly Member Davis was the author-and tireless champion-of special education funding reform in California, and she will bring an unmatched combination of political acumen, commitment, and technical expertise back east.
Revenue limit equalization will be pushed into the funding debate by new Senator Tom Torlakson, one of the two or three most passionate activists in Sacramento on this issue. He not only campaigned in his Senate District with a strong equalization plank, he was behind the new Select Committee on Equalization, of which he is the Chair.
The Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees, which will be chaired by re-elected Senator Dede Alpert, will become a friendlier place for schools. Former Chair Patrick Johnston was a supporter of public education-but not to the extent that former school board member Alpert is. In the wheeling and dealing between committees and houses that centers on the Appropriations Committees, Senator Alpert will provide increased cover for schools issues, lengthening the odds that school bills will escape the Bermuda Triangle of the Suspense Files.
--Bob Blattner