Part-Time Lege Idea Bad, Prospects On Ballot Good

Summary

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It's beginning to look more and more likely that California voters will soon be asked to weigh in on whether their professional, full-time Legislature should be taken down a notch to part-time status. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has mentioned the idea frequently this spring and summer, in part out of frustration with the Democrats who control the Legislature and have stymied some of his proposals. If Schwarzenegger puts the part-time Legislature on the ballot, it is almost sure to pass.

Meanwhile, Ted Costa, a major player behind last year's recall of Gov. Gray Davis, last week announced plans of his own to gather signatures for an initiative that would seek the return of what he calls a "Citizen Legislature.' Costa so far has no commitment from the governor to support his measure and no money to pay for petition circulators. But given his track record, he can't be easily dismissed.

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Extract

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Part-Time Lege Idea Bad, Prospects On Ballot Good

As originally drafted, Costa's proposal for a part-time Legislature wasn't very dramatic. He wanted to limit lawmakers to 90 days in session each year, and send them home no later than June 30. But,...

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