Wilson Wit Spotlights Veto of Fluorescent Bulb Disposal Bill

Gov. Pete Wilson displayed a dry sense of humor in vetoing a bill calling for a state study on how to best dispose of discarded fluorescent light tubes that reportedly pose a danger to the environment and public health.

“I am returning Senate Bill No. 1346 without my signature,” the governor said in his veto message. “Question: How many new legislative bills does it take to study the disposal of light bulbs? Answer: One less than you think. Cordially, Pete Wilson.” End of veto message.

The author of the rejected bill, Sen. Dan McCorquodale (D-San Joss) didn’t appreciate Wilson’s joke. McCorquodale said the veto message was “cute to be sure,” but the fluorescent light disposal problem is a “serious” one.

GOVERNOR

Signed into law a bill (SB 1234) by Sen. Charles Calderon (D-Whittier) to strengthen state housing laws prohibiting housing discrimination based on physical or mental disability or the presence of children under the age of 18.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

Laxatives: Passed and sent to the governor on a 41-28 vote a bill (AB 343) by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan (D-Fresno) that would prohibit retailers from displaying laxatives and diuretics for possible use in weight control next to diet pills.

Transportation: Passed and sent to the governor on a 46-22 vote a bill (AB 3096) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) that would authorize the California Department of Transportation to form a partnership with federal, state and local agencies and the private sector to establish a coordinated state transportation research and development center.

Sexual Discrimination: Rejected on a 40-30 vote a bill (AB 2492) by Assemblyman Curtis Tucker Jr. (D-Inglewood) that would have allowed courts to award attorney fees to a successful plaintiff in a sexual discrimination lawsuit against a defendant who is a part of the state’s educational system. Forty-one votes were required for approval. Reconsideration requested.

MISCELLANEOUS

Absent Legislators: Despite the continuing state budget crisis, at least four Democratic lawmakers went to New York City to attend the Democratic National Convention. They were Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) and Assemblywoman Teresa Hughes (D-Los Angeles), both of whom are seeking new Senate seats, and Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles), who is running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and Sen. Henry Mello (D-Watsonville), who is up for reelection in November.

Capital Fact

Only four states require more than a simple majority vote to pass a state budget. Arkansas requires a three-fourths vote; California requires a two-thirds vote, and Illinois and Nebraska require a three-fifths vote.