Democrats Push for Hospital Retrofit Funding in $222B Bond Package
Lawmakers on Tuesday will begin discussing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) $222-billion bond proposal for state infrastructure projects, the Contra Costa Times reports (Davis/Folmar, Contra Costa Times, 1/24).
Democrats are pressing the governor to include funding to help hospitals comply with state seismic safety requirements and affordable housing in the proposal (Rau, Los Angeles Times, 1/24). Democrats also are concerned that without new revenue, debt service from the bonds could lead to funding cuts for schools, social services and other programs. According to the Contra Costa Times, Democratic legislators might "still be hesitant to compromise with the governor after his defeat at the polls in November."
The proposal must be finalized by March to qualify for the June ballot (Contra Costa Times, 1/24).