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State Supreme Court Upholds Proposition 35

Governor Schwarzenegger is hailing a state Supreme Court ruling on Thursday that he says will make a big difference to commuters. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara reports.

State Supreme Court Upholds Proposition 35

Governor Schwarzenegger is hailing a state Supreme Court ruling on Thursday that he says will make a big difference to commuters. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara reports.

The California Supreme Court ruling upholds Proposition 35, which voters approved in 2000. The initiative broadened authority for state agencies -- like CalTrans -- to use private engineers.

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Paul Meyer is with the Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors of California, which represents private firms. He says the ruling comes at the right time for public works projects -- like road improvements -- that will be funded with recently-approved bond money.

Meyer : The state has the tools and can use private engineers to help get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The court case began in 2002 when the Professional Engineers in California Government challenged Prop 35. In a statement, the union said the impact of the court's decision could mean costs of nearly twice as much as using state civil service workers.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.