November 28, 2006

2006 Vote Record: Fresno Chamber Holds State Legislators Accountable to Infrastructure Bonds on November Ballot

This past year marks a significant time for state of California. As we prepare for the influx of population over the next twenty years we must now begin a plan to fix the current being of our state and continue to build a state that can sustain our future growth. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Infrastructure Bond Package has set out to do just that. In March of 2006 the Governor introduced a bond package worth $37 billion. The bonds would cover both K-12 and higher education systems, transportation and infrastructure, housing, and flood protection.

From the beginning the Chamber weighed in on these issues because the Chamber understands that if we want to continue to provide a healthy business climate in California, we must provide for our communities. This voting record focuses on how our local legislators voted for the infrastructure bond package.
 

 

What the "No Vote" May Actually Mean

There are times when a legislator is unwilling to vote on a potential law. In this case, a legislator may abstain from voting, which will hinder the bill from actually passing. Their abstention is shown as a "no vote" and does not count for or against them.
 

2006 Infrastructure Bonds Vote Record In Depth
 

Proposition 1A - Approved By Voters

Transportation Funding Protection
 

Fresno Chamber Position: Support

 

Florez: Support

Poochigian: Support

Arambula: No Vote

Cogdill: Oppose

Parra: Support

Villines: Oppose

 

The transportation funding protection would amend the State Constitution to further limit the conditions under which the Proposition 42 transfer of gasoline sales tax revenues for transportation uses can be suspended. Specifically the measure requires Proposition 42 suspensions to be treated as loans to the General Fund that must be repaid in full, including interest, within three years of suspension.

Proposition 1B - Approved By Voters

Highway Safety, Traffic Control, Air Quality, Port Bond Act of 2006
 

Fresno Chamber Position: Support

 

Florez: Support

Poochigian: Support

Arambula: No Vote

Cogdill: Oppose

Parra: Support

Villines: Oppose

 

California needs better infrastructure, and proposition 1B will be beneficial for the entire state. If approved by voters in November Proposition 1B will enact a $19.9 billion general obligation bond to fund repairs, reduce congestion, improve bridge safety, expand public transit, and improve port security statewide. The bond proposal also authorizes public/private transportation partnerships, application of the Design-Build method for these projects, and legislation to streamline the environmental review process.

Proposition 1C - Approved By Voters
Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006
 

Fresno Chamber Position: Oppose

 

Florez: Support

Poochigian: Oppose

Arambula: No Vote

Cogdill: Oppose

Parra: Support

Villines: Oppose

 

This bill enacts the Emergency Housing, Community Planning and Farmland Preservation Bond Act of 2006 which will authorize the issuance of a $2.85 billion general obligation (G.O.) bond for state housing programs. If voters approve this package, local cities and county governments and local developers can apply for funds to build low and moderate income affordable housing. The application process does not guarantee money to any certain area. The bond would give $135 million for farmworker housing, without verifying their resident status. It would fund the development of ownership or rental homes for agricultural workers through grants to local governments and non-profit organizations.

Proposition 1D - Approved By Voters
Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006
 

Fresno Chamber Position: Support

 

Florez: Support

Poochigian: Oppose

Arambula: No Vote

Cogdill: Oppose

Parra: Support

Villines: Oppose

 

Proposition 1D will authorize a statewide general obligation (G.O.) education in the amount of $10.416 billion. The education bond proposal authorizes the placement of a 10.4 billion general obligation bond to fund K-12 and Higher Education. Of this, $1.9 billion is allocated for K-12 new construction and $3.3 billion is allocated for K-12 modernization projects. The bond also provides $3.087 billion to public colleges and universities. Education is extremely important to tomorrow’s workforce. Prop 1D provides exceptional monies that will strengthen our state center community college district, including, 19,247,000 for the Willow/International development and secure funds for the north and east wings of the old administration building at Fresno City College, and the new southeast site child development centers at Fresno City College and Reedley College.

Proposition 1E - Approved By Voters
Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Act of 2006
 

Fresno Chamber Position: Support

 

Florez: Support

Poochigian: Support

Arambula: No Vote

Cogdill: Support

Parra: Support

Villines: Oppose

 

Enacts Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act of 2006, which would authorize, subject to voter approval at the November 7, 2006 election, $4.090 billion worth of general obligation (G.O.) bonds, from which sale proceeds would be allocated to infrastructure projects for flood protection and levee repair and improvement.

Assuming the $4.090 billion in bonds would be sold at an average interest rate of 5% and then be paid off over 30 years, debt service costs for principal and interest would total about $8 billion, or an average of about $270 million annually.
 

Contact Amy Huerta, the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at (559) 495-4818 or ahuerta@fresnochamber.com