California Legislation 

The 2009-10 Regular Session re-convened on January 4, 2010. 

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Bill Tracking*

*Please note that these are bills we believe to be of interest to our Members; if the position field is left blank, we have not taken a formal position on the bill. 

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To find your representative, please visit either www.assembly.ca.gov and click on Find My District or visit www.senate.ca.gov and under Senators, click on Your Senator.


In The News

  
  
Wednesday, September 1, 2010

 
California budget vote produces no results

For only the second time in 34 years, state lawmakers have reached September without passing a budget. The Legislature conducted floor votes Tuesday on competing Democratic and Republican plans, both of which fell short mostly along party lines. The exercise served as a rhetorical workout but gave little indication that lawmakers are close to a compromise.

Complete Story: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/01/2996692/budget-vote-produces-no-results.html#mi_rss=State%20Politics#ixzz0yIg0M2t6

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

 
The Buzz: California lawmakers' budget vote mostly symbolic

Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Today is the final day of regular legislative session, so lawmakers decided it might be a good time to convene the summer's first floor vote on the state budget. The same budget that was supposed to have been passed 77 days ago. Lawmakers won't do anything hasty, like actually approve a balanced spending plan. That requires a two-thirds vote of both houses, and even lawmakers know they will fall well short of meeting that threshold.

Complete Story: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/31/2993914/the-buzz-california-lawmakers.html#ixzz0yCVu5HMH

 
CSUs offer tough economics lesson
COLLEGES: Fee increases add to students' struggles as semester begins.

Cal State Long Beach sophomore Rhiannon Frazelle made the honor roll last academic year. But as CSULB began fall classes Monday, Frazelle said wasn't sure she would repeat the feat this school year.   In addition to taking some challenging science courses this semester, the 19-year-old biology major and aspiring doctor, for the first time, will be working during both the fall and spring semesters to help pay for school.

Complete Story: http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_15944209?source=rss

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Monday, August 30, 2010

 
UC, CSU, community college chiefs plead for quick budget passage
Chancellors say that without a state budget, 'We are operating with a blindfold on.' The delay has already forced campuses to borrow money and threatened some students' enrollment and financial aid.

The leaders of California's three systems of public higher education made a joint plea Friday for quick passage of the much-delayed state budget, warning of negative consequences on campuses if the deadlock in Sacramento continues much longer. "A late budget really hurts us in the pocketbook and simply denies more and more students access," said Jack Scott, chancellor of the California Community Colleges.

Complete Story: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-highered-20100828,0,2101596.story

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

 
Bill would guarantee CSU admission for community college grads

The Legislature has given final passage to a bill that would require California’s community colleges to offer a degree that would guarantee students admission to a California State University campus. The bill, SB 1440 by Sen. Alex Padilla, was approved by the Senate Wednesday and sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The governor has not said whether he will sign the bill, which passed with bipartisan support and no opposing votes. “SB 1440 will fundamentally change higher education in California,” Padilla said in a statement. “SB 1440 will better align our higher education system, saving students time, money and freeing up state resources to serve more students.”

Complete Story: http://www.healthycal.org/bill-would-guarantee-csu-admission-for-community-college-grads.html

 
Governor may call special session

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will order state legislators into a special session if they haven't sent him a budget by Sept. 1.   Schwarzenegger, a Republican, will call the session if lawmakers haven't passed a spending plan before the legislative year ends Aug. 31, according to his spokeswoman, Rachel Arrezola.   California began its fiscal year July 1 without a spending plan after Schwarzenegger and Democrats who lead the Legislature remained deadlocked over how to fill a $19 billion deficit.

Complete Story: http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics-government/ci_15882213?nclick_check=1