[NormsRevenge]

California voters adopted the two-thirds majority requirement in 1933 during the Great Depression, when finances were precarious and voters worried about government spending and higher taxes.

At the time, the requirement applied only to budgets that were more than 5 percent higher than the previous year. In 1962, voters extended the rule to all budgets. Proposition 13 in 1978 required two-thirds majorities for tax increases, as well.

In 2004, California voters rejected a ballot measure that would have lowered the majority to pass the budget and tax increases to 55 percent.

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I dread to think how much closer we would be to a 200 Billion dollar budget if that 2004 ballot measure had not been defeated.

[bill1952]

"The two-thirds majority really holds the budget process hostage," said Chris Carson, government director for the League of Women Voters

An entirely desirable state of affairs.

The former Democratic governor is demanding that cities and counties account for the negative effects their housing, commercial and road projects might have on global climate change.

Good God, what a bunch of kooks you all have running the show

[BobS]

"Schwarzenegger said he shares his fellow Republicans' concerns but on Thursday criticized senators for using such peripheral interests to stall the budget."

Well, well, well. Schwartzie didn't campaign for a single Republican last year and he expects loyalty? Loyalty is a two way street. He's alone.

[goldstategop]

I'm in favor of a simple majority to pass a regular budget but I still want to keep a two-thirds majority to approve all spending that exceeds revenue and for all tax increases.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus