California will get high speed rail
by David Atkins
In another testament to the power of progressive leadership, the California State Senate just approved major funding for a high-speed rail project that will eventually connect San Francisco all the way down to San Diego with super fast, efficient trains. The vote was close--a bare minimum of 21-16--though it's likely that some legislators were given permission to vote no because they face reelection in tough districts.
The bill now moves to the desk of governor Jerry Brown, who will almost certainly sign it.
This is a huge victory for progressives, thanks in large part to an influx of progressive legislators and the courage and tireless energy of activists across the state.
However much the big money boys may own and operate Washington, D.C., progressive states can still lead the charge toward a better future. It would be nice to get these things done at a federal level, but if red states have to dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century (or even the 20th), then so be it. It's been that way for the last 100 years, and it's not going to change anytime soon.
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