Special Session Update—November 13, 2008
The “Big 6” was scheduled to meet again on November 13, 2008, but there is no information regarding their discussion.
The Sacramento Bee reported on Governor Schwarzenegger’s statement that California is asking the federal government to help. Federal officials are said to be considering an economic stimulus package that would include state grants.
The Assembly Budget Committee will hold an informational hearing tomorrow, November 14, regarding the Governor’s special session proposal. The hearing has not been noticed, and no agenda was yet available as of this writing. Depending on whom one asked on the Budget Committee, the hearing will be at 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. But we’re told that it will focus on the magnitude of the problem, and will involve testimony from both the Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office. We understand that there will be no opportunity for public testimony.
There is some buzz that Senate Republicans are starting to soften on the revenue side of the Budget equation. According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, termed-out Republican Senator Bob Margett (R-Diamond Bar) indicated that a tax “modification” may be the only route to take. Conversely, The Sacramento Bee reported that at “least eight of the 12 new GOP freshmen have signed a national no-new-taxes pledge.”
Some
controversy was reported over when special session bills must go to the
Governor. The Governor obtained a Legislative Counsel opinion that the
Legislature may pass bills in the special session until November 30 unless the
special session has been previously adjourned sine die. But The Sacramento
Bee reported that at least one advocate finds the Constitution less than
clear and will consider suing if the Legislature sends a cuts bill to the
Governor after
November 15.
—Deborah Harmon