In today’s Bee, another story on the legislative work, at the state level, to secure funds for infrastructure work, $3.1 billion of it designated for flood control, still winding its way through the system.
Let’s continue to hope that it makes it through and hopefully the amount directed towards flood control will increase, even though the dry weather may cause some forgetfulness of the recent wet.
Here is an excerpt.
Bonds set for vote in Legislature
Lawmakers could put four measures totaling $35.3 billion on ballot.
By Andy Furillo -- Bee Capitol Bureau Published 2:15 am PDT Thursday, May 4, 2006
In a sign of an impending agreement, legislative leaders scheduled floor votes for tonight to put $35.3 billion in bonds on the November ballot to build roads, housing, levees and schools.
Legislative leaders worked into the evening Wednesday on the details of the package, but broke shortly after 10 p.m. without announcing an agreement.
"We're close, but there are a million little pieces to the puzzle," said Steve Maviglio, a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, D-Los Angeles. "Three or four don't fit, and the puzzle's not done."
State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, scheduled a vote for 5 p.m. today, while Núñez planned to call his chamber into session at 5:30 p.m.
Sources said the package would include $19.2 billion for transportation, $10.4 billion for schools and universities, $3.1 billion for flood control and $2.6 billion for affordable housing - with Republicans still expressing deep reservations in meetings Wednesday afternoon and evening about the housing component.
