The governor, for example, has proposed lengthening the middle school year by several weeks. Democratic lawmakers are hoping for a major expansion of health care for poor people. I don't want to think of it. State Finance Director Timothy Gage and other state officials are unsure how much money California will end up spending before the bonds are issued. Other state officials say the actual exposure could be less, depending on how many long-term contracts the state can enter into at lower, more stable rates.
Major questions remain unanswered about the power purchases.
The PUC could raise rates again if additional money is needed to pay bond debt. The temporary restraining order applies only to Reliant. A major Wall Street credit-rating agency expressed annoyance that California has not yet figured out how to end the crisis. Times staff writers Nancy Vogel in Sacramento and Nancy Rivera Brooks in Los Angeles contributed to this story.