So, now what? If the usual partisanship holds sway, it is difficult to imagine how the state Legislature will close the gaping hole in the state budget. The package of stopgap measures overwhelmingly rejected by voters on Tuesday was supposed to be the best that lawmakers could manage.
Even with layoffs, deep reductions in state services and the gutting of local government, it's likely the state will run out of money in July. How will the state pay its bills? Will anyone lend money to the state of California? At this moment, no one has the answers.
Moreover, without fundamental reforms, it is difficult to see how state government can move beyond the political dynamics responsible for the current crisis.
Comments | Add Comment
Posted By: 1brightboy (22/05/2009 7:31:32 AM)
Comment: Poor Michael, always so bitter...never any ideas or solutions offered...oh, except that everything is the fault of the Democrats.
Posted By: michael koepf (21/05/2009 2:03:17 AM)
Comment: "...it is difficult to see how state government can move beyond the political dynamics responsible for the current crisis." Amen, Pete. Now take a long look in the mirror at part of the "political dynamics" that brought us here.
Posted By: JC (20/05/2009 8:58:28 AM)
Comment: Hey Susan,
Half the state budget goes to the schools and still not enough money??? You need to follow the money trail to see what is happening instead of blaming the voters.
Posted By: Otto Kobler (20/05/2009 8:48:20 AM)
Comment: Every time there is a budget shortfall the politicians roll out the same solution: cut school, fire and police funding and raise taxes. Are those the only line items the State spends money on? I don't think so.
The only reason they propose hacking those three budgets is that almost everyone will say no. This time it didn't work.
On top of that, California now has the highest income tax rate and sales tax rate in the country...and the highest highest unemployment rate and the biggest deficit. It's time to change the way wer are doing things here.
Posted By: Mystery Meat (20/05/2009 8:28:22 AM)
Comment: No big shock here. Even president Obama recently said that high taxes and out of control spending are not sustainable. It's time for the demented California government to get serious about state finances. Expenses cannot exceed revenues. Why is that so hard to understand?
Posted By: Susan Ellis (20/05/2009 8:05:05 AM)
Comment: The thing that bothers me the most about this "disavowal" is that it's, once again, our kids who will suffer. The schools are so broke they're closing libraries, laying off aids and other support staff, cutting sports, fine arts and every other program they have. Good for the voters for helping Sacramento cripple our schools futher.
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