Feb 16, 2006 - SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A California lawmaker introduced a bill on Thursday that would delay implementation of a ballot measure that marked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's first foray into state politics before running for governor.

Sen. Tom Torlakson's bill would delay California's Proposition 49 from taking effect.

With Schwarzenegger promoting the initiative as a ballot measure, voters endorsed it in 2002 to help fund after-school programs. In 2003 they elected the Hollywood icon, a Republican, as governor in a special recall election of then Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat.

Torlakson's bill would require the state fund its obligations for public schools and eliminate its structural budget deficit before it fund after-school programs under Proposition 49.

"The state should first pay off the 'education credit card' before embarking on new programs," a statement from the Democratic lawmaker's office said.

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