What are you guys talking about? Are you suggesting that long-term planning is a BAD idea???
Every major (private) organization I've worked for has had long term planning to effectivlely manage investments, particular major capital projects. Those plans are submitted to boards of directors for review and approval thereby providing some accountability of those entrusted with huge sums of money. Every major federal government department is required to prepare the similar plans.
This California law was passed with unanimous support from both Dems and Republicans in both the Senate and Assembly--not a single "NO" vote. Effective planning makes for better use of OUR taxpayer dollars.
I'm not saying it isn't a good idea, but what I am acknowledging is the infamous five year plans that Russia, China and Cuba used to announce publicly, but never fulfill. The mere mention does bring back shades of cold war nightmares. Mentioning it in concert with a China visit does reinforce that take.