California Lawmakers Regroup In New Alignment

The state lawmakers who gathered in Sacramento Monday to see newly elected members sworn in had a different look from the group before November's election -- there were fewer Democrats.

Political scandals that unfolded earlier this year cost the party its two-thirds supermajority grip on the Senate. Last month, Democrats lost a few key Assembly races, unexpectedly eliminating the party's supermajority in the lower house, too.

As lawmakers prepare for the legislative session that begins in January — with early promises to focus on college affordability — the Democrats' loss of its domination of both houses will make it a little tougher for the party to get things done next year, political observers say.

"Democrats still have very strong majorities, and in most policy areas they don't need a two-thirds vote to succeed, but losing both supermajorities has real symbolic significance," said Jack Pitney, a political expert at Claremont McKenna College.

The state budget no longer requires a two-thirds vote to pass the Legislature, but if the newly elected Democratic legislative leaders hope to raise taxes or pass a constitutional amendment next year, they'll be required to cobble together bipartisan support, Pitney said.

For now, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, both seem focused on the quality and affordability of California's public education.

Speaking before the Senate, de Leon stressed that high quality public schools should be available to all children — regardless of where they live or their immigration status. In a speech on the Assembly floor, Atkins railed against the University of California's plan to increase tuition by almost 28 percent over five years.

Atkins has touted an alternative plan that would avoid the proposed tuition and fee hikes by pumping $50 million more into the state university system.

"In all, 19 new Assembly members attended a UC school. We need you to help keep UC affordable and attainable for every eligible California student," Atkins said. "It's clear UC needs more money, but fee increases aren't the way to do it."

On Monday, she told the Assembly that it should exert more control over UC's budget.

Bay Area lawmakers also took advantage of their first day back in Sacramento since August to introduce bills they say will be among their top priorities in January.

Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, introduced a bill that would further hike California's minimum wage to $11 an hour in 2016 and $13 an hour in 2017.

Assemblywoman Nora Campos, D-San Jose, introduced bills that would require police departments to publicly report their acquisition of military-style equipment, limit the use of data collected by drones and increase the age of sexual consent in the state's civil code. Marking the start of what could be a big year for California immigrants, Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, re-introduced a bill that would extend state-funded health insurance for poor Californians to immigrants living in the country illegally.

"Our health system is stronger and more effective for everybody when everybody is included," said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access, an advocacy group that supports the bill.

 

News Release provided by:

Jessica Calefati 

San Jose Mercury News