[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

Migrant farm workers--either seeking to join a union or working the fields through a labor contractor--did not do well this weekend by the pen of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Late last night, in the final batch of 6 bills remaining on his desk, he vetoed SB 180 (Migden) which would have allowed a new process, known as "majority sign up," as the means for agricultural workers to choose to bargain collectively. This change was being sought by the United Farm Workers Union (UFW), other labor organizations including the California Labor Federation, and supported by the California Catholic Conference.

All that would be needed is the filing with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (AlRB) of "representation cards" signed by more than 50 percent of the currently employed employees in the bargaining unit stating that they wish to have a specified labor representative. These cards would be issued by the ALRB upon the request of a labor organization.

The labor representative submitting the petition must also personally serve the employer with the petition the same day the ALRB receives it. The employer then has 48 hours to give the ALRB a complete and accurate list of all of the employees in the bargaining unit.

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

About 10:30 p.m. last night, Speaker Nunez came out of the door of his office and answered questions from a dozen or so reporters. This is a transcript of what the Speaker said John Myers of KQED asked the first question. The question I asked and the answer I received, has been bolded.

Where did it all fall apart?

I'm getting a taste of what Senator Perata has been dealing with in this . But I will tell you --I want to reiterate what I said to you when I walked out of the Big Five meeting--because, I really meant it. I don't mean to bad mouth Senate Republicans, and at the time I said that I take back everything negative I said about Senate Republicans. And I want to be consistent with that.

There are some differences, obviously that wee expressed at the Big Five meeting, but my understanding when we walked out of that meeting is that we had an agreement on the budget. And in fact we had one.

Some time between the time that I walked from the governor[s office out the door to come upstairs and the time I walked outside, he [Ackerman] changed his mind or had second thoughts about what he had agreed to. So, I'll give him that.

by Julia Rosen [courtesy of Working Californians blogs]

To say things are a mess in Sacramento right now is an understatement. The budget is being attacked by all sides. Usually that is an indication of a good compromise, but sometimes it leads to HillaryCare and everything goes down in flames. Here is a status update.

The Assembly passed the budget in a late night session then said it was going on recess for a month. The trouble started in the Senate before the Assembly even started. Senator Perata was not happy with a package of tax cuts that the Republicans wanted. Then the Senate Republicans started moving the goal posts. They went back to demanding even more cuts, without spelling out what they meant.

Meanwhile, advocates for the poor, elderly, education and transportation expressed their disappointment at the budget that passed the Assembly. George Skelton today went after the cuts to the poor.

Anyway, it was about the time of the wine-tasting that the legislative leaders hatched their plan to roll California's most vulnerable.OK, maybe I'm guilty of a cheap shot. But it's no more a cheap shot than picking the pockets of the poor in order to bring spending and taxes closer into balance.

The victims list includes 1.2 million impoverished aged, blind and disabled, plus 500,000 welfare families, mostly single moms with two kids.

read more »

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

[Editor's note: Senate President pro Tem Don Perata held a news conference following a recess of four days that he called after an all day and night lockup of the Senate failed to produce a budget. Read this and you'll find out about some of the late night conversations he had with Republicans--about trains--as they tried to hammer something out. You'll also get some details of how the Governor tried to help and struck out with Republican Senators.

Here is our transcript of the press conference which is most revealing. We will have more of an analysis tomorrow. For more information, see our previous articles.]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Major AB 32 Implementation Measure--"Clean Car Discount"--Stalls on Tie Vote, to be Reconsidered Today

Last Session Today on Assembly Bills to Meet Deadline--Less Than 50 Bills Remain on Assembly Docket, but Includes Some Hot Ones

Assemblymember Ruskin on the floor in the middle of a group of those he is trying to persuade to vote for AB 493 on clean car rebates

By Frank D. Russo

The Assembly train picked up steam yesterday as they disposed of 118 bills and have between 32 and 49 bills that may be taken up today. Among the items to be taken up today is AB 8 (Nunez), the Assembly Speaker's near universal health Care bill, death with dignity (AB 374-Berg), AB 5 (Wolk) on flood protection, AB 1554 (Jones) on health insurance rate regulation ala Prop 103, and other hotly contest bills.

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California released an extensive poll late last night that shows California "likely voters" and adult residents of the state as well support the term limit change that is being circulated by petition for the February 5, 2008 ballot and also support changing the redistricting process so that it is done by independent citizen panel.

While the numbers look good for both of these potential ballot measures, the election is off in the future and there are many variables that make any predictions about the ultimate outcome little more than educated guesses. Nevertheless, when interpreted with caution and in the context of what may take place in a campaign, there is reason for those proposing both of these changes to be heartened.

Legislative Term Limit Changes

by blogswarm [courtesy of Calitics: Soapblox California - Front Page]

I've made my voice very clear why I'm disappointed that Congressman McNerney voted against ending the war. And even if you don't agree with me, I think you'll find the debate over his his vote, the call for an explanation, and McNerney's response to all have great comments from the very insightful community that is growing at Calitics.

When I was waiting for a response from McNerney I went for a walk to clear my mind. Tonight, the local recruiting station had nine kids out front and only one was white. That sucks, but so does the war for every family affected. Now that people are doing late night video, I ask you to join me over the flip for a video that is all the more relevant this year since Rep. McNerney won't vote to end the war. It is one of my favorites and I loved meeting the band a while back. I'm shocked that McNerney will fall into the trap of those who want to wait until September, but there is a great response to that policy nonsense.