The buzz: Two inquisitive senators booted off key panel [CA]

Sacramento Bee ^ | 6/6/5 | Kevin Yamamura

[SmithL]

The Legislature's two appropriations committees are considered prime assignments for legislators because the panels oversee every fiscal bill in the Capitol, giving members power that attracts campaign contributions.

When the Senate Appropriations Committee met recently to approve a large batch of Senate proposals collectively dubbed the "suspense file," two veteran members, Sens. Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey, and Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, were noticeably absent and had been replaced without explanation.

The reason? Bowen and Speier apparently wanted to ask questions about bills in a suspense hearing designed to be as efficient as possible. In fact, Senate leaders traditionally have decided before the suspense hearing which bills will advance, and committee members generally follow their leaders' wishes.

In this case, Bowen and Speier wanted input and the ability not to vote for certain bills. But Senate leaders objected and replaced them with other Democrats.

"Housekeeping," explained Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata. . . .

[SmithL]

Quote of the week

"We cannot rely on wind because, aside from this chamber, we can't be sure the wind's going to blow all the time."

- state Sen. Debra Bowen,
D-Marina del Rey, explaining why solar is more reliable than wind power

[BIGZ]

Two new Republicans?

[CyberAnt]

Or maybe a democrat with a brain .. who knew ..??

[Smogger]

Courtesy of bugmenot.com

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