The California legislature is back in session and Democrats remain firmly in control. As Katie Orr reports from Sacramento, leaders are starting the year with a focus on the economy.
Democratic leaders are pushing a message of restoring the state’s economy by creating a rainy day fund and paying down debt. But projects like high speed rail and the Delta water tunnel plan could put pressure on the budget.
Democrats hold a super majority in the legislature, but Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett says the party will continue to act responsibly.
Corbett: “We’re going to spend where we need to spend to foster growth in this economy. It’s up to us, in a way, to continue to grow ourselves out of the recession. And, like I said, we still have a ways to go, so I think we will be very responsible.”
The party will also be facing a change in leadership in the coming months. Both the Assembly Speaker and Senate President are being termed out and the speculation has already begun over who will replace them.