California Insider

In a speech and Q and A with the Sacramento Press Club today, the governor turned up the heat a bit on the Legislature, saying he had seen no sign in the three weeks since he called them into special session that they are doing any serious work.

“There is very little action going on over there,” Schwarzenegger said.

The governor told reporters that he is “moving ahead” with plans to circulate ballot measures to implement his agenda, and he hinted strongly that he will not back off once he gathers the required number of signatures. He also insisted that a special election must be held this year, and contended that it would be worth the $50 million-plus cost if it ends the state’s years of budget deficits.

Schwarzenegger ducked questions on Secretary of State Kevin Shelley’s troubles and on whether U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer’s emergence as Bush’s biggest critic would undermine his efforts to get more money from the feds.

And he tried once again (actually several times) to drive home his message that his proposed budget increases funding for the schools by $2.9 billion. Schwarzenegger has clearly been stung by the education lobby’s criticism on this issue, and with a soon-to-be-released poll reportedly showing that voters are displeased with what they have heard about his education budget proposals, I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes to the airwaves with television ads defending his position.

Here is a link from the governor's office to audio of the Q and A.

Here is Assembly leadership's response, from spokesman Steve Maviglio:

--The budget hearings being held by the legislature today (both Senate and Assembly) are the earliest in the legislature’s history (as far as we can determine from legislative records).

--Until 2 p.m. today, the Governor’s office had not communicated to the Speaker, the Majority Leader, or any other member in leadership that the legislation that has been submitted (the latest one, ACA 4/Across-the-board spending cuts, just six days ago) was the Governor’s legislative package for the special session.

--No sponsor of the legislation has contacted the clerks of the Assembly or Senate to inform us of their desire to have an early hearing on their proposal.

--None of the Governor’s “reform” proposals will have any impact on this year’s budget.

--The legislature will proceed with its plan to hold public hearings on legislation so Californians can speak for themselves about what their priorities are.