Lawmakers on Monday failed to compromise on changes to the $9.9 billion high-speed rail bond voters will take up in November.
Republicans, Democrats and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger agree that the current ballot measure lacks oversight language. But the two parties have not agreed on how to fix the measure, which lawmakers originally crafted in 2002.
As envisioned, bullet trains eventually would run from San Diego, through the Central Valley, to the Bay Area and as far north as Sacramento, with top speeds of more than 200 mph.
The bond would cover only about a third of the project's cost. Planners hope the federal government and private companies will pick up the rest.
The current language in the bond measure, known as Proposition 1, prioritizes the route running from Los Angeles to Fresno and on to Merced and San Francisco.
Assembly Bill 3034 by Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, D-Stockton, opens up other segments for first-round funding – such as lines to Sacramento and San Diego – so long as the spending does not have an "adverse impact" on the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco route. Such flexibility could give the "yes" campaign a wider voter audience, presumably making it easier to pass.
But the state Senate on Monday failed to take up the bill because Republicans and Democrats could not agree on how to beef up the oversight.
The deadline to change the bond language is midnight tonight, according to the secretary of state's office. The Senate is not scheduled to meet today. The measure still could be changed using a "supplemental ballot," which would cost more taxpayer money. Lawmakers would have about a month to reach a deal.
GOP opposition to the bill was led by state Sen. Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield. He wants to abolish the High Speed Rail Authority and consolidate oversight of all state rail projects in a newly created department that would have greater oversight by the Governor's Office.
"The High Speed Rail Authority as it currently exists has squandered $58 million so far and has not a thing to show for it," Ashburn said.
If no changes are made, Ashburn said he would try to delay the bond measure, which already has been pushed off the ballot twice, in 2004 and 2006.
Galgiani's bill contains new fiscal controls called for by Schwarzenegger. For instance, the legislation limits how much could be spent on planning and administrative activities. The Legislature also would get more oversight of yearly spending.
But Democrats are not willing to get rid of the authority on such short notice. "It's not something that in my mind should be taken lightly and adopted into a last-minute amendment without an opportunity to have a full discussion," Galgiani said.
Call E.J. Schultz, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5541.
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