The eleven billion dollar bond was controversial when it
passed the legislature last year - and so was the vote to delay
it.
"All those vote who desire to vote…."
In the Assembly, the measure had to be taken up several times
while leaders twisted lawmakers' arms to get the necessary
two-thirds vote to push the bond to the 2012
ballot. Democratic Assemblywoman Anna Caballero told members
it's all about timing:
"This legislature spent 50 years trying to get it right and we got it right in November and to rush to put it on when we don't have the resources to get it across the goal line doesn't make sense."
Governor Schwarzenegger had asked for the delay. The thought is that voters are unlikely to pass the large bond while the state grapples with a 19 billion dollar shortfall. But GOP Assemblyman Joel Anderson pointed out that projects associated with the bond- such as new possible dams - would take years to build. He opposed the delay:
"If you believe that this water bond is essential to delivering water to people that that water equates to jobs, how can we put it off for two years?"
Other lawmakers have argued that the bond is loaded with pork and should be re-worked. The legislature rushed to get the delay passed because the state's voter guide is headed to the printer.
The legislation is headed to Governor Schwarzenegger's
desk. He's expected to sign it.