Saying he supports the concept of raising the wages for California's lowest paid workers, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger nonetheless vetoed a bill Thursday that would increase the minimum wage by $1 an hour to $7.75 over the next two years.

Schwarzenegger also vetoed:

_ A bill that would have imposed stiff financial penalties on employers who are found to be paying equally qualified employees at different rates.

_ A bill that would have banned the use of the nickname Redskins for school teams and mascots. The governor said decisions about team names should be made by local officials.

_ A bill that would have forced employers and insurers who take injured employees to court before paying out workers' compensation benefits to pay a penalty. Schwarzenegger said current law already penalizes companies that unreasonably delay or refuse to pay benefits.

He signed:

_ A bill that clarifies that marital status and sexual orientation are among the characteristics protected against discrimination by business establishments.

_ A bill that requires the Department of Education to post on its Web site an athletes' bill of rights explaining that federal law bars sexual discrimination in school programs, including sports.

_ A bill that encourages the use of biodiesel by allowing public agencies to use the alternative fuels.

_ A bill that requires home buyers to be specifically notified before an agreement is signed about all property taxes pending.

_ A bill that returns millions of dollars in sales taxes from jet fuel to communities that host airports.

from SFgate.com

# posted by Jon Easton : 7:46 AM  1 comments