lights-on bill n.— «If they can’t overturn Pawlenty’s decision, two key lawmakers said the Legislature simply will return what is known as a “lights-on bill,” which would fund the Transportation Department at its most basic levels. “The...
strike-below n.— «Under the re-written bill, called a “strike-below” in legislative parlance, the new 9-member authority would be a political subdivision of the state, not a new state agency. One of its first duties would be to convene...
creeping meatballism n.— «Philistinism—actually, the street term “creeping meatballism” sounds better—spreads through British Columbia’s political class like some zombie virus in a B-grade movie.» —“Plans to close 144...
free shot n.— «The current arrangement also means Baltimore City officials don’t have to give up their seats to run for the legislature or statewide office. The practice is called a “free shot.” McFadden did it in 1986 when...
tombstoning n.— «Sen. Gloria Romero had one demand if she was going to let legislation to provide mayoral control of the Los Angeles schools get out of the Senate last year. It had to have her name on it. And so the Legislature passed the...
post-partisan adj.— «The challenges Mr. Schwarzenegger faces for being, as he calls himself, “post-partisan,” and pushing the legislation he craves, were evident Tuesday night in Sacramento when he addressed the Legislature. His plans for...