But with the global economic crisis and California fighting to overcome a deep deficit, Steinberg contends that sacrifices needed to be made on all fronts -- including his own pet program.
Though admitting to being "conflicted," Steinberg said he felt compelled to "lead by example." He also said money diverted from each of the programs would mostly go toward similar efforts for children and the mentally ill -- it would just pass through the general fund.
"This doesn't undo anything," Steinberg said, describing it as a "temporary sacrifice" and expressing confidence that both programs would survive and ultimately "recover well."
Others aren't so sure.
Dave Fratello, a Manhattan Beach political consultant leading the fight against the two ballot measures, said he worries that approval of 1D and 1E would throw open the gates to future raids by lawmakers grappling to balance budgets.
"If we lose this election," he said, "it's just a small step toward undoing these."
But some experts say a bit of deconstruction seems inevitable given the surplus of initiatives by special interests eager to practice ballot-box funding.
"Frankly, the fact we're going back at a few of these isn't surprising to me," said Timothy A. Hodson, executive director at Sacramento State's Center for California Studies. "I'm just surprised it has taken this long."
--
eric.bailey@latimes.com
