County threatens to withold money from state

From the L.A. Times:

Grappling with a state budget stalemate that has left them $105.6 million in the hole this month, Los Angeles County supervisors this morning threatened to withhold tax revenues from the state to pay for local social services.

"We're declaring our own Boston tea party," Supervisor Gloria Molina said at this morning's board meeting, adding that withholding money from the state would send a message to state legislators to take immediate action and "make their pain more acute."

Supervisors directed the county's auditor controller, its CEO, William T Fujioka, and county counsel to explore the legality of withholding money -- including reimbursements and property and sales tax revenue -- from the state. The board plans to reconsider the option during closed session next week.

The question is whether this will end up just being a media stunt, or whether the county will be able to find the legal basis to withhold the money.