Since the budget talks are pretty slow, with most of the talks going on in the Joint Budget Conference Committee, plus a little bit of Big 4 talks, and the rest of us are out of town until the 15th, I just thought I’d pass along a glimpse of the Assembly Appropriations Committee Action from Wednesday.
SB 1301-Financial Aid-to grant more financial aid to students who are offspring of illegal immigrants, was heard in committee-Passed
SB 1322-Communism in Schools-[which could seem redundant] Would relieve schools of requiring a form that essentially says that communism would not be taught or glorified…you know, since the Wall came down it’s no longer a worry. [Didn’t see a provision thanking Ronald Reagan.]-Passed
SB 1422-High Cost Rail Authority-turns over a lot of the decision process to the Authority from CalTrans for the High Cost Rail whose bonds haven’t even been approved by voters in November yet.-Passed
SB 441-Vending Machines on State Property-would be required to contain 35% "nutritional products", juices, snacks etc. Regardless of price or market demand or perishability, if a product deosn’t sell before expiration date, oh well.-Passed
SB 1171-Firearms-raises and extends penalties for a loaded gun in your vehicle in rural areas of the state…where people tend to have them and hunt with them.-Passed
This Committee will meet again on the 9th and the 16th. Floor sessions are scheduled for the 15th and 17th. When the budget will be completed is anybody’s guess.
One good thing did happen, the 4th of July and the Declaration of Independence was celebrated on the Floor today, with readings of the Declaration, a color guard and other patriotic functions.
Have a Happy 4th!