The legislature is battling it out over the budget deal tonight. (The Senate is in caucus, and the Assembly floor session is in recess). Yep, Valentine's Day. One bit of news, pointed out first by KQED's John Myers. The legislature seems to be anticipating a special election on May 19. And yes, that is too early for ballot initiatives to be qualified. None of the measures currently approved for circulation seem to be circulating actively. Several initiative coordinators I know are on the way to other states where there are petitions circulating.