Affinity Reauthorization Bill Introduced
Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) has introduced, with sponsorship from the California State University (CSU), Assembly Bill 1222, the alumni affinity program reauthorization bill.

This proposal hopes to eliminate the sunset on a law that gives alumni associations the ability to provide benefits and services to their alumni through non-state support. More »

Passed State Budget May Not Be Enough
The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released a report last week entitled “The Fiscal Outlook Under the February Budget Package.” The report concludes that the weakening economy has already eclipsed the revenue assumptions on which the February budget package was based.

Specifically, the LAO projects that state General Fund revenues for 2009-10 will be $8 billion less than the $97.7 billion estimate used for the February enacted budget. The LAO opines that a portion of this new “gap” can be filled using funds from the recently enacted federal stimulus bill, but concludes that “the Legislature’s work on the 2009-10 budget is not yet done.” More »

Assembly Holds Its First Meeting of the Session
The Assembly Higher Education Committee held its first hearing on March 3rd, adopted committee rules, heard several bills, and conducted an informational hearing on the future of workforce supply and demand. More »

Special Election Date Set
With the confirmation of Ms. Hilda Solis to serve as President Barack Obama’s Labor Secretary, Governor Schwarzenegger has called a special election of May 19th, beginning the formal process of electing the next representative for the 32nd Congressional District.More »

Legislative Profile: Alyson Huber
With less than a week until the new member’s of the Assembly were sworn in, Assembly Member Alyson Huber, received word that she was likely to have won her election, claiming a seat that had been held by Republicans years. More »