The Los Angeles Times has a great interactive budget balancing "game" on its Web site. You decide what programs to cut, where to raise taxes and fees, and try to eliminate California's $24 billion budget deficit.
Let me tell you, it's not easy.
Who wants to cut funding for schools or healthcare for children? Yet the idea of raising taxes, even on the rich, doesn't seem very appealing, especially in this economy. Remember that one of the big issues is a plan to take revenues from local governments, which has the League of California Cities and city officials across the state, including those in Long Beach, up in arms.
However the budget is fixed, in the end someone isn't going to be happy. There's just no avoiding it. I have to say that I don't envy our legislators in Sacramento. So, try the budget activity for yourself here and see if you can keep California from a fiscal meltdown.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
Medicare is underfunded as it is. Adding benefits at this time, under these conditions is not wise. And this opinion comes from one who is paying for home nursing care out of our pocket. We need the federal government (and state govt) to stop spending money they/we do not have.