Nielsen, LaMalfa target high-speed rail

Assemblyman Jim Nielsen and state Sen. Doug LaMalfa are touting a state report that indicates their measure to prohibit borrowing for a high-speed rail project would save the state over $21 billion.

From Nielsen:

Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) released the following statement today regarding a recent report by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) which found that a proposed measure repealing state borrowing for high-speed rail would save California over $709 million every year for 30 years. The LAO’s report highlights the need for Senate Bill (SB) 985, authored by Senator Doug LaMalfa and coauthored by Assemblyman Jim Nielsen. The bill puts the High Speed Rail project back on the ballot for reconsideration by California voters.

“Californians across the state are struggling with limited family funds, and the government is struggling to ensure core government functions, such as education and public safety,” said Nielsen. “The $709 million per year expense for this dubious rail project represents a continuing drain on our economy we simply cannot afford."

“Senator LaMalfa and I have taken action, with SB 985, to guarantee voters have a chance to reevaluate the High Speed Rail project in light of all the financial facts that have now been exposed to the light of day,” said Nielsen. “Under the latest $100 billion price tag, I am convinced that the vote of the people will repeal this luxurious boondoggle.”

From LaMalfa:

Senator Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) today commented on a report by the Legislative Analyst’s Office finding that a proposed measure repealing state borrowing for high-speed rail would save California over $709 million every year for 30 years. The LAO’s report focused on a ballot measure mirrored by LaMalfa’s Senate Bill 985, which places a proposition on the ballot allowing voters to reconsider the project’s rapidly growing price tag.

“This report should be an eye-opener for Californians impacted by Governor Brown’s cuts to core state services,” said LaMalfa. “The $709 million a year some would spend on high speed rail could more than offset last year’s cuts to the University of California, California State University or state community colleges.”

The LAO found that the project’s $709 million in annual debt payments would further damage already fragile state finances and increase state debt service by nearly 10%. The California High-Speed Rail Peer Review Group recently advised the Legislature not to fund the project, and the Field Poll found nearly two-thirds of Californians want to reconsider the $100-billion price tag.

“With California facing another multi-billion dollar deficit, does adding another $21 billion in debt really sound like a good idea?” the Senator asked.

LaMalfa also noted that revelations that at least one High Speed Rail Authority board member received over $10,000 from a project contractor raised serious questions about the Authority’s allegiance.

“High speed rail’s supporters are prioritizing a consultant-driven boondoggle over the state’s true needs, such as education, public safety and deficit reduction,” said LaMalfa. “Is the Rail Authority working for California, or the project contractors they’ve received thousands of dollars from?”