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9A Page 22 INFRASTRUCTURE from page 1 ....................................... This week, the Secretary of State indicated that there was a possibility to move the deadline until no later than Monday. Information on progress regarding an infrastructure package is changing by the minute. It is uncertain what the priorities for funding will be and how large a bond package will emerge If a deal can be reached. When visiting legislative offices this week, League staff heard similar messages to those reported in the news: that a deal among the governor, Senate and Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans appears close. In the midst of this intense debate, the Assem- bly Republican Caucus smoothly changed its leadership. After Assembly Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced his plans to run for Con- gress and step down as minority leader, the caucus elected George Plescia from the San Diego area to replace McCarthy. The Senate appears to be the house where most of the initiative is coming from to put a bond measure on the ballot. At a League meeting on March 7, Sen. Bob Dutton, a key player for the Senate Republican Caucus, offered hope that a deal would be reached in time for the June ballot. At an Oakland Chamber of Commerce event on March 8, Senate Leader pro Tern Don Perata commented that there is no reason an infrastruc- ture package shouldn't be on the June ballot. He stated that the bond negotiations have been taking place because of the pressure people have put on the Capitol. Last evening, a 6 p.m. legislative session in both houses was cancelled when it became apparent that no deal could be reached in time to act. After the cancellation of the session, all parties continued to sound optimistic that a deal could be struck on an infrastructure package. Sen. Don Perata indicated that he intends to have the Senate vote on a bill before midnight on March 10 (today). The Assembly has recessed for the weekend, but the Speaker has put members on notice that they may be called back to Sacra- mento if a deal comes together. The Senate session scheduled for March 10 at noon was also cancelled. If a deal "happens," it is building up to a real cliff-hanger. The League remains hopeful that a deal will be reached to place an infrastructure package on the June ballot, where polling indicates that chances of it passing are favorable. The November ballot will likely be crowded with numerous other initiatives as well as candidate elections for major statewide offices. which always changes the politicalland- scape and clouds the outcome of any measure. For more information on efforts being made statewide to encourage getting an infrastructure bond on the June ballot, see "Infrastructure Coalition Continues Push for June Ballot!' Editor's Note: At press time, the deadline for a hi-partisan consensus on an infrastruc. ture package was still pending. For the most recent developments on this issue, please check the League's website at www.cacit/es.org. . . . . ... ..... . . . . ... ............... ....... ...... PAGE 10 . PRIORITY FOCUS March 10, 2006 - Issue #1G Visit the league's Official Webslte--www.cacities.org