For those of you who do not know, Ahnuld the Gropinator called a special session of the California Legislature to address the $42 Billion budget deficit projected in the state this year. Like in our national legislature, there has to be a certain percentage to agree before a budget can pass. Unfortunately, there must be a 2/3 super-majority and the stalemate has lasted over one hundred days.
The California Legislature is working well into the early morning hours to come up with a budget proposal for the governor's desk. The obstructionist republicans have been holding out for no tax increases. The goppers refusal to budge on the tax increases is what has been holding up the budget here. Finally, the goppers blinked. Taxes will be going up here in the state. The state sales tax is expected to rise one percentage point to ten percent on the dollar. And, the price of registering vehicles in the state will also increase.
There are trade offs of course. The goppers are cutting $8 Billion out of the Education budget over the next two years. I really do not understand what the republicans have against education. I guess they really do think that all one needs is a bible. They also want to cut money for transit and transportation projects. Therefore, one could surmise that they expect us to stay home and read our bibles.
The saddest part of the proposed budget is the legislators are willing to cut back on the benefits to the state's blind and disabled citizens. Billionaires can keep their stockpiles of money, but the weakest and the sickest must give up their medications and ability to see their doctors. It says a lot about a state when the rich keep everything and the burdens of a budget deficit are placed squarely on the backs of those who can least afford it. These people already live below the poverty line and their budgets are the ones being cut. I am glad the legislature is up late tonight. Hopefully, it means that their consciences are bothering them and they are having trouble sleeping. However, I am sure that is not the case.
http://www.latimes.com/...
http://www.sfgate.com/...
http://www.sacbee.com/...