Governor Hopeful About Federal Funding Request After Meetings in D.C.
Following two days of meetings with California's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) said he is optimistic about the state's prospects for securing new federal funds, McClatchy/Sacramento Bee repots.
Schwarzenegger is seeking nearly $7 billion in federal funding as part of his plan to close the state's budget deficit (Hotakainen, McClatchy/Sacramento Bee, 1/22).
The governor says California deserves the funds because federal formulas shortchange the state for health care programs and other services.
Although the state's congressional leaders did not promise to direct more money to California, they pledged to work with the governor and offer assistance when possible.
Meeting With House Speaker Pelosi
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she and the governor "went over some possibilities" for additional federal funding during their meeting on Thursday (Rothfeld/Simon, Los Angeles Times, 1/22).
Pelosi noted that any new funds likely would come from legislation designed to benefit all states, such as a jobs creation package (McClatchy/Sacramento Bee, 1/22).
Meeting With California Representatives
Also on Thursday, Schwarzenegger and state legislative leaders met with about half of the 53 members of California's congressional delegation.
Schwarzenegger said many of the representatives told him it would be difficult to secure more funds for California. The governor told reporters, "Well, hello! What isn't? This is what we do. ⦠I know it's going to be a big challenge" (Los Angeles Times, 1/22). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.