Schwarzenegger’s special sessions at a glance

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has called 16 special sessions since he took office in 2003, the most of any governor in state history. Three of those are ongoing. Here is a look at the special sessions he has called each year and the results.

2003

Special sessions: Three, on balancing the budget, workers’ compensation reform and repealing a law that allowed illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses.

Result: The governor signed legislation related to all three issues.

2004

No special session.

2005

Special sessions: One, on reforming the budget process, state pensions, education and redistricting.

Result: No legislation signed by the governor.

2006

Special sessions: One, to approve billions of dollars in prison construction.

Result: No legislation signed by the governor, although lawmakers approved a prison-construction bill the following year in regular session.

2007

Special sessions: Two, on health care and water.

Result: Minor legislation signed by the governor after each, but no reform on health care or water.

2008

Special sessions: Five, all related to the state budget and the economy.

Result: The governor signed legislation to plug the state’s budget shortfall in two special sessions while a third featured bills to stimulate the economy, including a $10,000 tax credit for new home purchases and giving homeowners facing foreclosure more time to modify their home loans. No legislation signed by the governor in two of the special sessions.

2009

Special sessions: Four, on the state budget, education, tax reform and water.

- The governor signed legislation to close the state’s budget shortfall, although a deficit quickly re-emerged. The Legislature has not yet taken action on education, tax reform or water.

Tags: california budget, california economy, california education, california government, California Governor, california health care, california home purchases, california home sales, california illegal immigrants, california legislature, california pensions, california prisons, california redistricting, california special sessions, california tax credits, california water, california workers' compensation, Schwarzenegger, SDNN

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