Senate President Darrell Steinberg called it one of the most productive legislative sessions in recent memory, citing in particular several bills he hopes will improve the state's economy. But he says he also learned a clear lesson after Republicans blocked tax and fee measures:
Steinberg: "Don't build your agenda on a series of two-thirds vote measures. Don't do it. Because that's just not where the minority party is right now."
Meanwhile, Republicans left town frustrated with several union-backed bills that Democrats muscled through at the last minute. Senator Ted Gaines took issue with a measure that allows child care workers to organize.
Gaines: "There's the unionization of babysitters, which in my mind is completely ridiculous. I don't even know why we're addressing issues like that."
Focus Now on Governor
Now that the California legislature has adjourned for the rest of the year, the focus turns to Governor Jerry Brown. Brown has until October 9th to sign or veto hundreds of measures now on his desk.
Senate President Darrell Steinberg says even though he's disagreed with some of the governor's decisions to sign or veto bills, he thinks Brown is "thoughtful."
Steinberg: "One thing that impresses me about the governor is he's actually - he actually studies this stuff! And when he gets into an issue, he gets into an issue."
Asked whether he thinks the governor will sign several union-backed bills that passed the legislature late last week over strong Republican opposition, Steinberg said, quote - "there are no slam dunks."
Undocumented Immigrant Students to Brown: Sign DREAM Act
University of California students - including many undocumented immigrants - are calling on Governor Jerry Brown to sign a bill supporters call the DREAM Act. It would make college students who are undocumented immigrants eligible for state financial aid.
Ernesto Zumaya was among the undocumented students at a news conference at the Capitol Monday. He's a senior transfer student at UCLA who says he'll earn his Bachelor's degree in English this December. Given his limited financial resources, Zumaya says not having student financial aid has prolonged his education.
Zumaya: "I'm unable to get up to apply for loans. Obviously, I don't get any federal or state financial aid. That's the main reason I was in community college for four years. And I transferred to UCLA in 2009. And due to budget cuts and fee increases, I had to take three quarters off within my stay at UCLA."
Speaking to reporters Monday, Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg said he's "confident" the governor will sign the bill. Brown has until October 9th to decide.
