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Angelides also joined in a press conference with representatives from environmental groups on February 23, which the Sacramento Bee described as "blasting" the governor's Strategic Growth Plan for over-spending on highway construction and under-spending on public transportation. A day earlier, speaking at a monthly luncheon of the Sacramento Press Club, the non-partisan legislative analyst, Elizabeth Hill, presented her analysis ofthe budget proposal. She concluded that the budget proposal misses an opportunity to reduce the state's ongoing budget deficit, and spends too much of one-time revenue increases. (To see the LAO report, visit wwwlao.ca.Qov.) League Task Force Continues Discussions The League's Infrastructure Task Force is meeting to continue discussions on various aspects of the proposals. One idea recently put forth is to give preference in allocation of bond funds to local governments that are supporting the implementation of "Regional Blueprints" around the state that place a priority on infill, transit-oriented, and more compact development. Working for a June Ballot Package It is still uncertain what the timeframe will be to reach consensus on an infrastructure package. However, the governor has stated he would like to see something go before voters on the June ballot. For this to happen, lawmakers must reach consensus by March 10, just three weeks away. Senate President pro tem Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez have said that they are working together to make this happen, but have sent the message that it has to be done right." They agree that a consensus should be reached by June, before budget debates are in full swing. According to a recent article in the Sacramento Bee, Senator Perata and Assembly Speaker Núl'\ez have said that if the June deadline is missed, legislators should keep on working on a public works package, although Perata said he was doubtful anything would be accomplished this year. "In any and all circumstances, if this doesn't get done before the primaries and before we start our budget, we will never get it done," Perata was quoted as saying. The Importance of the March 10 Deadline: What You Can Do The League is committed to working with all parties to ensure that timely action is taken on negotiating a bond package in time for the June ballot. The League urges cities to contact the governor and their legislators - asking them to work together to pass a consensus infrastructure package by the March 10 deadline for getting a measure on the June ballot. There is a real risk that if infrastructure bonds are not on the June ballot, election year politics will make it even more difficult to get a package for the November ballot. California cannot afford to wait. We all know that our state infrastructure is badly in need of significant investment - and working for this investment is a key League goal. Voters want action, and they want their representatives to work together to achieve it.