Watch CBS News

Board OKs Sale Of California State Buildings

SACRAMENTO (AP) — A state public works board has approved retiring bonds on several state-owned office buildings, paving the way for California to sell the properties as a way to raise cash quickly.

The board's 3-2 vote Monday allows a deal brokered by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration to move forward. It will give the state $1.2 billion to plug a budget deficit in the current fiscal year.

The approval came despite a report last week by the state's nonpartisan legislative analyst, which said the sale will end up costing California taxpayers $1.4 billion over 35 years. The state plans to rent the office space back from the private owner.

Representatives for state Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Controller John Chiang voted against retiring the debt, while three administration appointees voted in favor.


(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.