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Wednesday’s top of the scroll: Schwarzenegger calls for $11 billion water bond to be pulled from November ballot

Posted by: Maven on June 30, 2010 at 8:16 am

From the Silicon Valley Mercury News:

“In a stunning development, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Tuesday he would attempt to pull an $11.1 billion water bond off the November ballot and instead ask for voter approval two years from now.

The governor said the delay was needed to concentrate on the budget, but the economic climate and persistent criticism of the bond’s cost were also making the measure a tough sell.

“After reviewing the agenda for this year, I believe our focus should be on the budget — solving the deficit, reforming out-of-control pension costs and fixing our broken budget system,” Schwarzenegger said.

By far the largest water bond in state history, the measure was put on the ballot last fall by the Legislature after months of debate. It includes billions in funding for new dams and water projects the governor promoted as an important part of his legacy.

“The poll numbers were discouraging and the budget cycle promised to be drawn out and ugly,” said Tim Quinn, executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies and a leading supporter of the measure.

“We have to live with it,” he said. “It is a bitter pill.” … “

Continue reading from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.

From the Fresno Bee:

” … Key lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said they support the move, including Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto.

“Timing is everything, and I’m willing to wait to bolster voter understanding of this critical measure,” Cogdill said in a statement.

But other lawmakers were skeptical. “I fear that we may lose the momentum we were able to build in bringing so many parties together to agree to place the bond on the ballot,” said Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter.

Delaying the ballot measure requires approval from two-thirds of the Legislature. Lawmakers appear to have until Aug. 9, the deadline for sending voter guides to the printer. … “

Read more from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.

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June 30, 2010 · Filed Under Legislation - State & Federal

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One Response to “Wednesday’s top of the scroll: Schwarzenegger calls for $11 billion water bond to be pulled from November ballot”

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