Governor Schwarzenegger says he has a plan to make sure the state spends billions in bond money the way voters intended. He signed an executive order Wednesday that establishes accountability guidelines for spending the $43 billion for roads, housing, schools and levees. Voters approved the bonds in November.
Schwarzenegger is also asking lawmakers to put together another big package of bonds - this one would build prisons, universities, and dams. He says spending the first package wisely is critical for future building:
Schwarzenegger: The only way that we're going to get people on board again is if we show great accountability, meaning no pork barrel kind of deals, no backroom deals that we have seen in Washington - none of that.
The Governor's order requires state bond projects to be audited - and requires periodic progress reports.
All of that information will be posted on a new website that's being created. Lawmakers have applauded the move - but say the legislature should still create its own oversight committees.
