E.J. Schultz at the Fresno Bee reports on the ongoing debate between Republicans over what to make of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's latest $9.3 billion water bond proposal.
On the one side is Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill, who is pushing for a bond.
On the other side are conservative Republicans upset about increased borrowing. (Teasing to Schultz's story, FlashReport's Jon Fleischman says the measure is "filled with 'enviro-pork.' ")
Schultz reports on the conundrum that faces Central Valley reps Mike Villines and Cogdill, who answer both to the conservative wing of the party and their agricultural constituents:
Money for dams is a top priority for the farmers who live in their districts. Yet, to strike a deal with Democrats, they will likely have to agree to a "comprehensive fix" that includes money for environmental restoration, water recycling and the like.
That will increase the bond price tag. And, as evidenced by the debate above, will anger fiscal conservatives in other parts of the state.
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