Congratulations California
We've got a budget ... under certain conditions, but we've got one.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.(AP)-- The California Legislature passed a
long-awaited budget early Thursday after an epic battle that involved several
all-night sessions, sending the governor a package of bills that raise taxes and cut
spending to help close a $42 billion deficit.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, praised the bill, passed by the
Democratic-controlled Senate and Assembly. He came out of his office after the
budget vote and disconnected a large deficit clock counting the number of days -- 106
as of Thursday -- that the Legislature had failed to act since he declared a special
session to deal with the state's fiscal problems.
"I'm absolutely delighted about the budget passing," Schwarzenegger said outside his
office.
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Senate leaders secured the final vote needed from moderate Republican Abel Maldonado in late-night negotiations by agreeing to his demands for election changes,
government reform and removal of a gas tax increase, giving them the two-thirds vote
needed to pass the package.
We haven't heard from any local pols yet, but I'm sure we'll be hearing from them throughout the day.
Yeah congratulations....an increase in sales tax, an increase in income tax and doubling car licensing fees(code for tax)
No reduction in state employee salaries and benefits and no reduction for our elected officials...both of which receive the highest salary/benefits in the nation!
Yeah, the biggist joke is Assembly Member Ed Hernandez. He voted for higher taxes and receives a huge salary with perks for his betrayal of his constitutes.
Yeah, him and FIFTY-THREE other assembly members (including a few Republicans).
I'd stay anonymous too with weak posts like that.
I love how there are those that believe this current budget crisis could have been solved without tax increases. The most basic math would show you it was impossible.
Of course, no one could solve our current budget crisis without significant tax increases. That would require effective leadership and a genuine commitment to public service.....not with this bunch.
Instead, our legislators continue to pander to the interests that feed their campaign coffers.
California State employees continue to be the highest paid in the country - no cuts.
Our legislators, again the highest paid in the country - no cuts.
But the citizens, already the HIGHEST taxed citizens in the Country...well we get hit with more: income tax increase, sales tax increase and DOUBLING of our car registration fees.
Congratulations indeed...
This state is a sorry one. How long have they been increasing taxes and getting no place... a very long time. Soon there will be an AIR tax so you can breath.
Have you seen what these so called political leaders get in pay? It's in the six figure range.... If the state takes in less money then they should cut spending. (period)
The complete system needs to be addressed here! Do you know how much is spent on Welfare, un-insured and illegal immigration? "BILLIONS"! That's a pretty big number. So I guess us tax payers have to keep paying the bills.
So off to work you all...