Sanchez Asks State Lawmakers for $2 Million for Discovery Science Center Project

SACRAMENTO â€”  In an unusual direct appeal, Rep. Loretta Sanchez pressed lawmakers Friday for $2 million in state money to help fund the nonprofit Discovery Science Center in Orange County.

The Democratic congresswoman from Garden Grove said she hopes to secure $2 million in the federal budget for the same purpose but needs the state to match the grant.

To that end, she buttonholed members of the Senate-Assembly conference committee on California’s 1997-98 budget to make her appeal.

Earlier this week, Assemblyman Jim Morrissey (R-Anaheim) also asked on behalf of the county’s legislative delegation that the budget conference committee include the $2 million.

Construction is expected to begin this summer on the first phase of the $25-million center, which will be geared to help children learn math and science.

“It’s very important for the children of Santa Ana,� Sanchez said.

Officials at the museum, which will be near the Santa Ana Freeway, were grateful for the help.

“We’re just trying to get widespread support from everybody in the community,� said James “Walkie� Ray, chairman of the board of directors. “Loretta volunteered to help, and we took her up on it.�

Last year, the museum got $4 million from the state but earned the ire of the California Teachers Assn. because the funds were taken from a money normally earmarked for schools.

This year, the funds aren’t in the initial budget drafts. Members of the budget conference committee were noncommittal Friday about whether they would add any or all of the $2 million in state funding.

“I don’t think you ever ignore a member of Congress’ personal request--just that they should not ignore a request by a legislator,� state Sen. Steve Peace (D-El Cajon) said.

Also contributing to this report was Times staff writer Dan Morain.