Bob Fox Legislative Analysis

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2003) -- The Legislature returns from its "summer recess" Monday to face the final month of the legislative session. There are numerous issues that must be addressed, including workers' comp, fully paid health care, and the numerous 'trailer bills' that must be passed to implement the budget.

In addition, the Governor, Lt. Governor, and many Democrats in the Assembly are now saying that the tripling of the auto license fee should be rescinded and substituted with an increase in the tobacco tax, and the addition of another tax bracket for the "wealthy."

The racing lobbyists are meeting regularly to stay on top of the various bills that are still under consideration. No one knows just how the possible recall of Governor Davis will affect the legislation as it moves through the process, or how the Governor will view those bills that get to his desk.

AB 923, the bill that would rescind the tax exemption for agriculture, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday and all of agriculture is opposing this bill, including the CTBA.

AB 401, which may be amended to permit additional satellite facilities at fairs, is also still under consideration and is strongly supported by all of racing.

The fallout from the recall will increase as the candidates for the office begin to campaign and the Governor mounts his opposition. It is likely that legislators will now be consumed by the recall and will be even less effective than they were before the budget was passed.

Copyright © 1998-2003 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association