In response to an announcement by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that he will veto all bills until the Legislature can agree on a state budget, Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani said she will hold AB 3034 – the $9.9 billion high-speed rail bond – until a budget is passed.

The California Assembly is set to take up AB 3034 this week and is expected to pass it with resounding support, said Galgiani. She added that 3034 is essential to Proposition 1, which is the referendum Californians will vote on in November, because it implements fiscal controls to ensure that the state bond funds are utilized in the most cost effective and efficient way.

“However, once it passes, I intend to hold the bill from Governor Schwarzenegger until the budget is finalized to ensure that Proposition 1 remains as strong as possible,” said Galgiani. “With rising gas prices, congested highways and a rising population, Californians need more transportation options than ever.”

If AB 3034 is signed by the Governor and sent to the Secretary of State before Saturday, August 16th, (the last day for new measures to be added to the supplemental ballot on November 4th) Proposition 1A - and not Proposition 1 - would appear on the ballot.

Proposition 1A's title and summary, legislative analysis and ballot arguments would be in a supplemental ballot pamphlet, and there would also be language included to alert voters.