Posted on 11/17/2004 9:39:09 AM PST by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO — Watchdog groups Tuesday threatened to place on the ballot a measure to downsize state government if the Legislature does not adopt recommendations from Gov. Schwarze-negger's 2,600-page California Performance Review report. Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Foundation, said the report — a sweeping plan to revamp state government — might fare better with an up-or-down vote at the polls than with legislators.
"It would pass in a heartbeat," Coupal said.
The comments came as the Jarvis group and the Washington, D.C.-based Citizens Against Government Waste released the 2004 California Piglet Book showcasing billions of dollars of pork, or government waste.
The report doesn't break any new ground; it rehashes old news stories and state audit findings about misspending. But Coupal said the study should place more pressure on legislators to ferret out government waste.
Common sense and good management practices are issues "legislators have to be reminded of frequently," said Tom Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste, standing at a news conference next to someone dressed in a pink pig outfit who oinked and rubbed his belly.
(Excerpt) Read more at modbee.com ...
imo, We are looking at actions 2 years down the road at the earliest, at this rate..
The Looters remain in power, the Creators leave the state...
>>Expect delay and stall in the legislature to maintain the status quo in California
Abolishing the state income tax would be a very good start...
They can't spend what they don't have! LOL
>>Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Foundation, said the report — a sweeping plan to revamp state government — might fare better with an up-or-down vote at the polls than with legislators.
Coming from the same idiot that told us $15 billion in bonds was a good idea. Thanks anyway!
The Cal Performance Report contains a bunch of garbage and NO sweeping reforms. Sorry Coupal. NO WAY!
That would be a good move... the Democrats here will NEVER cut government spending - and the public is averse to tax increases. Lock, set and match.
Summary Box: State spending imbalance creates $7 billion shortfall
http://www.bakersfield.com/state_wire/story/5085237p-5129988c.html
The Associated Press
THE NEWS: Nonpartisan analysis shows state deficit next year at $6.7 billion.
WHAT'S AT ISSUE: After campaigning last year on a pledge of resolving the state's fiscal troubles, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger still faces a tough task to bring spending under control.
THE OPTIONS: Democrats favor a tax increase; Republicans, including Schwarzenegger, say spending on services can be cut.
BORROWING OFF THE TABLE: State already has $26 billion in budget-related loans.
WHAT'S NEXT: Schwarzenegger's budget plan for next year is due Jan. 10.
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