On March 9, the Senate overwhelmingly passed SB 29, a Bill authored by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg to exempt special fund positions from furloughs. The measure had earlier been approved by the Assembly so it now goes to the Governor’s desk. The Governor’s spokesman said “He is very likely to veto this.”  If he does, a veto override by two-thirds of the Legislature could enact the Bill into law, which would prevent furloughs for employees in positions funded at least 95% by sources other than the General Fund. This would cover most PECG-represented employees.  

The previous day, a key Senate Committee approved AB 790, the PECG-sponsored Continuous Appropriations Bill which would ensure that state employees receive their full paychecks on time this summer, even if the State Budget is not approved on time. The next stop in the legislative process is the Senate Appropriations Committee.