California’s Democratic Lawmakers Tone Down Plea for Federal Funds
While Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) continued his vociferous appeals for increased federal funds this week, Democratic legislators took a more subdued approach to the cause, Capitol Weekly reports.
Earlier this week, Schwarzenegger sent a letter urging California's congressional delegation to help the state secure $6.9 billion in new federal funding.
The request is part of the governor's budget proposal for the next fiscal year. If the state does not secure the increased federal funds, Schwarzenegger's budget plan would eliminate programs such as In-Home Supportive Services and Healthy Families, California's Children's Health Insurance Program.
The governor is expected to continue lobbying for more federal funds when he travels to Washington, D.C., with state legislative leaders next week.
Democratic Legislators Tone it Down
In contrast to the governor's appeals, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) praised federal officials this week for a recent tweaking of federal law that could assist beneficiaries in Healthy Families.
Bass also expressed optimism about the state's chances of securing extra funds for programs such as Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program.
However, Bass questioned Schwarzenegger's strident approach to the federal funding request. She said, "I'm not sure why the governor would come in throwing punches at the people you want to help you" (York, Capitol Weekly, 1/14).
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