"SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California lawmakers started 2010 the way they closed business last year—finding compromise on education reform elusive.
On Monday, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, gaveled in the session by announcing that lawmakers would vote for the reforms California needs so it can compete for federal Race to the Top money.
In the evening, after no committee hearings or debate on the matter, the vote was rescheduled for Tuesday.
Shannon Murphy, a spokeswoman for Bass, said lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate agree on the outlines of reform but need to work on the details.
'Both houses are in agreement,' Murphy said. 'We're just incorporating clarifying language to make us compliant with federal regulations and look forward to having a full vote tomorrow.'
Lawmakers are trying to meet a Jan. 19 deadline to apply for the money. California could see as much as $700 million if it's selected."