More "Race to the Top" action is on tap for this morning.
We started yesterday with two rival "Race to the Top" bills in play. Both versions are aimed at ensuring California schools can cash in on up to $700 million in federal education dollars up for grabs through the competitive grant program.
During a full day of tension-filled testimony and debate, the Assembly Education Committee passed its bill and blocked the Senate's plan.
The Assembly bill squeaked by with the 10 votes it needed to move out of committee. The Senate's version fell three votes short, with six committee members sitting out the vote.
That outcome was immediately slammed by the Schwarzenegger administration, which supports the Senate bill.
The Assembly bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for approval. A floor session for a full Assembly vote on the bill is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Bee colleague Diana Lambert has more on the hearing in today's paper.
SPEAKERSHIP WATCH: Assembly Democrats are prepping for a mid-afternoon caucus. One goal is to agree on their pick to succeed Karen Bass. As of last night, no deal had been made in the stand off between Team Pérez and de León loyalists.
Update: Sources say Pérez is poised to snag the caucus' support at today's meeting. Click here for more from Jim Sanders.
BRIGHT LIGHTS: Schwarzenegger and first lady Maria Shriver will preside over the state Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event starts at 5 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. (The outside portion was canceled due to expected bad weather.) TV host Maria Menounos and singers Brian McKnight and Thelma Houston will also be on hand.
HEARING: The Assembly Health Committee is holding a 9 a.m. informational hearing about renewing California's Medi-Cal hospital financing waiver.
BIRTHDAYS: Speaker wannabee Kevin de León and Assemblyman Isadore Hall both celebrate their natal days.
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