Legislators plan India trip amid budget woes

Amid warnings that the state’s budget has already fallen billions of dollars out of balance, at least seven state senators are planning to leave Nov. 12 for a two-week trip to India to discuss issues including education reform and environmental protection.

Because Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has tentatively scheduled a special session starting Nov. 5 to deal with the budget shortfall, Senate leader Don Perata (D-Oakland) has approved the trip on the condition that those who fly overseas return to California if a budget vote is scheduled.

Those planning to take the trip include Sens. Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro), Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks), Denise Ducheny (D-San Diego), Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), Bob Margett (R-Arcadia) and Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles). Sen. Dick Ackerman (R-Irvine) had planned to go, but told organizers he may stay home.

“They are one of the fastest-growing global powers,” Kuehl said of India.

“Part of it is to make sure we have California-to-India contacts for business and education exchanges.”

Although the lawmakers are paying their way with money from their campaign accounts, Victor Viereck, president of the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said it is “questionable” that legislators are heading to India “at a time like this when we have such budget problems.”

-- Patrick McGreevy